SEED OF ROSES. SOIL TOE EO3ES. 59 



Let the seed-pods ripen thoroughly on the tree, and 

 when they are gathered put them away in small pots of 

 dry sand until February ; then rub out the seed, sow it 

 in light rich earth mixed with sand, with an inch thick- 

 ness of the earth over it, and place the pots or pans in a 

 frame, in a shady sheltered spot, taking care that the 

 temperature and moisture are kept uniform. The seed- 

 lings may spring up in April or May, and they may not 

 make their appearance until the following year. "When 

 the little plants are strong enough, remove them, with 

 care not to disturb the seed left behind, and keep them 

 shaded and watered occasionally. Or, if not too thick, 

 they may remain where they spring up until they grow a 

 good size. They will sometimes flower the first year, 

 and so show the colour, but the quality of the rose will 

 not be seen until the plant has been established at least 

 two years. Single or very poor flowers may be discarded 

 at once ; but any which showgood form, distinct colour, 

 petals of good substance, and rather full flowers, will be 

 worth watching. 



CHAPTEE IX. 



ROSES: THEIR CULTURE. 



ANT deep soil, with a cool subsoil, suits roses on the dog- 

 rose stock, but a deep stiff loam is best for them. The 

 black porous soil sometimes met with in gardens is bad 

 for them, and must be improved by a mixture of stiff 

 loam. Sharp gravelly and light sandy soils are also bad. 

 Eich peat land is not bad, nor bog earth, if it be 

 thoroughly drained. The soil of all others is a deep ? 

 rich, rather retentive, somewhat greasy loam, well 

 drained. Eoses on their own roots, or on the Mauettj 



