Some Experience in the Culture of Hardy Roses. 



Bt William H. Spooner, of Boston. 



Head before the Worcester County Horticultural Society, Jamiai-y 27, A. D. 1881. 



The" remarks on the subject of the Rose and its cultnre, and 

 the sugg-estions which I sliall offer you, have been gleaned from 

 experience derived from personal observation in planting, tend- 

 ing, nourishing and comparing, and the results of such labor and 

 attention. Tliere is probal)ly no plant so popular or so univers- 

 ally admired as the Rose, nor one of easier culture, and in none 

 have greater improvements been made in beauty and variety 

 within the last fifteen or twenty years. We frequently hear it 

 said that the climate and soil of England are better adapted to 

 the Rose tlian our own ; undoubtedly her humid atraospliere and 

 less scorching suns are an advantage in favor of the production 

 of exhibition flowers. 



But when we look at France with her lighter soil and brighter 

 sun, and see the immense product of her Rose farms, particularly 

 in the south, where such quantities are grown for commerce in 

 the famous Lubin distinct, what may we not expect for our own 

 country, even with its bright sun and dryer atmosphere? Under 

 these conditions, humidity must be obtained by, artificial means, 

 and our most accomplished cultivators are rapidly mastering the 

 art. If our warmer sun is a disadvantage, still it makes the sea- 

 son longer, and we saw as fine, or perhaps finer, displays of roses 

 last season in August, as in June ; I think the time is not far 

 distant when a rose show of some kind can be made every montii 

 in the year. 



It is generally supposed that to attain even a moderate measure 

 of success in tlie Rose garden, all advantages of soil, scien- 

 tific appliances, etc., are essential, but the amateur will find very 

 satisfactory results, even when these conditions are not carried 

 to great perfection. 



The soil of my garden is not particularly adapted for the 

 growth of Roses, being a light loam with a gravelly sub-soil, yet 

 from tliis apparently uncongenial source, we succeed in growing 

 a great many very good roses. I am not an advocate of the 



