THE CULTURE AND VARIETIES OF ROSES. 49 



plants. In the conservatory and greenhouse the temperature can 

 be more equably maintained and we can measurably remedy a 

 dry atmosphere b\' evaporation of water, but we ma}' fail b}' giv- 

 ing too much moisture, causing mould, etc. ; good judgment and 

 much experience are required to keep the temperature and atmos- 

 phere in just the right state, for doing which no arbitrary rule can 

 be given. 



The soil of the pots must not be allowed to become dr}^ or be 

 sodden from too much wet ; water well and thoroughly when water 

 is given ; dig up and stir the soil in the pots occasionally, as far as 

 maj' be without disturbing the roots. Cut back the plants freely after 

 blossoming, or, which is better, cut back blossom and stem as soon 

 as they have matured. The stronger and more stock}' the plant, 

 the better it is able to support itself and produce fine, healthy 

 blossoms. Use the greatest care not to allow the plants to become 

 drawn, but give fertilizers in liquid form freely. Study in all your 

 culture to render it suitable to the plant and the object in view. 



Propagation. There are various methods of propagating and 

 multiplying roses ; such as by seed, budding and grafting, and 

 offsets or suckers. For budding and grafting, stocks of some 

 hardy inferior kind are generally used. The mode of budding and 

 grafting does not vary materiall}' from the same process with 

 other wood}' plants and trees, and need not here be described. 



Protection to roses left out during the winter is advantageous 

 even to those which are quite hardy, while it is essential to those 

 less so. The Tea, Bengal, and Noisette classes may be left out 

 during the winter b}' covering with sand or earth, but usually the 

 top dies and new growth only comes from the roots. Evergreen 

 boughs secured around the more hardy sorts are generally the only 

 and best protection they need or can have ; where the sorts need 

 more protection, the plants may be laid flat on the ground and 

 covered with sand or earth an inch or two deep. 



Insect Enemies. Whoever grows roses, out-doors or in, and is 

 not troubled with insects injuring foliage or blossom is a highly 

 favored and fortunate individual ; for it seems of late that each 

 plant and product from the soil has its peculiar insect enemies, 

 which prove a drawback on our pleasure and a hinderance of our 

 interests, to escape from which there is no patent or royal highway, 

 but the}' must be firmly met and manfully fought. Still, where 

 proper attention is given to soil, watering, planting, etc., and a few 

 7 



