AND CONSEEVATORT. 233 



mens. They may be purcliased either on their own roots, on 

 the brier, or the manetti, according as they are most readily 

 procured ; but if there is any choice in the matter, give pre- 

 ference to those on their own roots. Neat standards of one to 

 two feet high, however, are pretty if they have good heads. 

 It is of considerable importance to avoid disturbing the roots 

 of such as are intended for early flowering, and when they 

 come to hand simply stand them in a sheltered position, and 

 cover the pots with leaves or other loose material, to prevent 

 the frost penetrating the soil. 



They should be pruned some time in December, and be 

 removed to the greenhouse or pit. If a pit can be devoted to 

 them it should be kept rather close, to encourage them to 

 start into growth early, and on the afternoons of fine bright 

 days a sprinkle overhead with tepid water will be of consider- 

 able service. The syringing overhead will be none the less 

 useful if they are placed in the greenhouse, but, of course, it 

 will be necessary to avoid wetting the foliage of such plants as 

 should be kept dry, and also creating a dampness in the 

 atmosphere hurtful to the hard-wooded plants which may 

 happen to be in the house. The soil, even when the plants 

 are quite dormant, should not be allowed to become dust-dry, 

 and when in full growth liberal supplies of water will be 

 necessary. After they are fairly started, moderately weak 

 liquid manure should be employed in preference to clear 

 water. The drainage from the manure-heap diluted with 

 water will form an excellent stimulant ; and second in value 

 to that is guano-water, prepared by mixing the guano with 

 clear soft water, at the rate of two ounces to three gallons. 

 Horse-droppings steeped in water also make an excellent liquid 

 manure. It must be used perfectly clear, and the colour 

 should be that of pale ale ; if a deeper colour it will be too 

 strong, and will do mischief. 



As the growth progresses it will be necessary to tie the 

 shoots neatly, and in such a manner as to ensure well-formed 

 specimens. The only enemies they will have to contend with 

 when making their new growth are green-fly, mildew, and 

 the rose-grub. The destruction of the latter can be accom- 

 plished by hand-picking, and a moderate dose of tobacco- 

 water will soon make short work of the green-fly ; dusting the 

 foliage with flowers of sulphur is the best remedy for mildew. 



When they go out of bloom remove to a sheltered position 



