THE CULTURE OP THE TUBE ROSE. 201 



the way, we deem the very best material in which to plunge 

 pots in the hot-bed, retaining well the heat and moisture, 

 and, withal, pleasant to work in. Soon, they begin to 

 strike root, and the foliage to show its tips ; then give 

 slight waterings, until indications of "spindling" appear; 

 then increase the water so much as to solve, to some 

 extent, the broken manure, and thereby allow of consolida- 

 tion, by firm pressure upon the top surface ; watch closely 

 for offsets, and, as they appear, split them off by inserting 

 the thumb between them and the parent, thus keeping the 

 strength where it is wanted. The best practice is to retain 

 them in the pots, and keep the pots together in the hot- 

 bed, unless they become so tall as to interfere with the 

 sashes. Keeping them in pots is preferable to turning 

 them out, not only because thus the supply of water can 

 be controlled, but because they can be moved at pleasure. 

 When blossoms begin to appear, remove them to an arbor, 

 or any sheltered place, to secure shade to some extent, and 

 thus preserve the natural delicacy of the flowers. On the 

 approach of frosty weather, they can be housed without the 

 shock they would suffer from " lifting and potting." If 

 kept neatly tied to rods, they are not unacceptable in the 

 parlor. 



