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MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, 



Against public sentiment, and the opinion of some experienced culti- 

 vators, I afRrm that the Manetti stock is the foundation on which to build. 

 There are a few varieties which are exceptions ; but for the great majority 

 of varieties the Manetti stock will secure the premium against all other 

 competition. Does any one complain that it suckers, and gives too much 

 trouble? Then let them go back to the June roses and talk no more 

 about their devotion to the Queen of Flowers. It is admitted that the 

 Manetti stock does sucker, but upon established and properly treated plants 

 the tendency is so slight that a real rose lover should be heartily ashamed 

 to make complaints, when he receives such complete return for his slight 

 care. I consider it important that the rose should be so worked that the 

 whole of the Manetti should be under ground, as in the case of the quince 

 for the pear. In such condition it is my experience that the plant is quite 

 as long lived and more vigorous than when on its own root — vigor is all- 

 important to free and perfect fall-bearing. 



Again, it is necessary to a succession of flowers that the plant should not 

 exhaust itself in June. A Baldwin apple tree, that has loaded itself to 

 the ground, we do not ask to bear again for two years. A rose will 

 bend under its burden, constantly, throughout the year. Three-fourths of 

 the June buds must be nipped, the strongest shoots must be checked, 

 and some branches severely cut back. Then the plant will throw out new 

 laterals with vigor, and the crowning buds will open in all the magnificence 

 of June. Does some drone here put in a word about all this trouble. 

 Then go back again to the old June rose, and boast no more of your alle- 

 giance. A word about winter management. I have found that plants do 

 best when renwved every year. Opportunity is thus given to trench and 

 enrich the eoil and put the ground in fine tilth, in the spring, at planting. 

 When removal is practised, plants are best wintered by burying them root 

 and branch in a dry, light mound, away from all vermin, and, to a partial 

 extent, away from frost. This method is preferable to cellars, or cold- 

 frames, being less troublesome, and better for the plants. It is beautiful to 

 see the plump buds and the fresh wood full of sap — kept by the cool, 

 genial moisture of mother earth. Nurserymen, who cut their scions in the 

 fall, and bury them for spring grafting, understand the difference between 

 wood that has been pinched and dried up by the fierce winter winds, and 

 this which is bursting with rank life, and ready to root into anything 

 upon which it can fasten. By this method of " living burial," the most ten- 

 der roses may be preserved. But it is, of course, essential that the mound 

 should be light and dry, so that winter rains will quickly drain off. Should 

 this method of yearly transplanting seem too laborious, a plan answering 

 nearly as well is this, to draw up a generous hill of earth around each plant, 

 and then cut off all the wood that appears above ground, taking care that 

 the extreme roots are not exposed by this hilling process. By such simple 

 care, and with the addition of so many superior new varieties, I am sure 

 you will agree with me, Mr. Chairman, that, if we do not make our Hall 

 look gay with roses in September, the fault is all our own. 

 JVonaiitum Hill, Brighton, Mass. 



