8o ROSES [CH. 



similar cuttings early in August, and planting them 

 firmly in sandy soil in a well-drained north border. 

 Let them remain there till frost comes, and then cover 

 the ground with a couple of inches of ashes, and strew 

 some fern or straw over them. The following June they 

 may be potted or planted out as they are wanted. 



It has been already explained that July is the most 

 satisfactory month in the year for budding, and those 

 who wish to learn the art may readily find an instructor ; 

 any intelligent gardener or nurseryman will give a 

 demonstration in five minutes, and it is well, after seeing 

 him do it, to let him see you^ so as to make assurance 

 doubly sure. 



Another method of propagating the Rose is by layers. 

 Roses growing on their roots may be successfully layered 

 in this way. About the first week in July prick up 

 the ground round the tree, and mix up an inch or so 

 of sharp gritty sand with the soil, provide some strong 

 hooked pegs and short stakes, select a branch, not too 

 sappy nor yet hard, bend the middle of the branch to 

 the level of the ground, and where it touches make the 

 incision, direct the knife upwards, making a clean cut up 

 the centre of the shoot for a couple of inches. Again bend 

 the centre of the shoot, and make the tongue of the slit to 

 dip into the sandy soil. Fix it securely in position with a. 

 hooked peg, supporting the upper end by tying it to 

 a stake, then fill up the hollow made for the reception of 

 the layer. Most of the shoots will likely be rooted in three 

 months, when they may be cut from the parent plants 



