240 THE PRINCIPLES OF FLORICULTURE 



high, and the soil need not be over six inches deep. The 

 sides of the beds may be of wood, concrete or brick. 



293. Filling the beds. Filling the beds should be 

 done quickly and in the most economical manner. Some 

 growers place planks along the center of the bench or 

 bed, and bring the soil in with a wheelbarrow. When 

 rose houses are long, as they are in many up-to-date com- 

 mercial establishments, it is necessary to employ other 

 methods. Some have movable sash along the sides of 

 the houses. Carts filled with loam are drawn to the sides 

 of the houses, and the soil thrown into the benches or 

 wheeled from one to another. In other establishments, 

 a movable track is used. Care should be taken to fill 

 the benches evenly, and not to have the soil too moist. 



294. Planting the roses in the houses (Fig. 26).- 

 The plants should be placed in the benches as soon as 

 possible after they are filled. The surface should first be 

 leveled and carefully marked, that the rows may be even. 

 It is important that the plants be evenly spaced, for later 

 they will need wire supports, and much difficulty is ex- 

 perienced in placing the wires if the planting is irregularly 

 .done. 



The stock of plants is examined carefully, and strong, 

 healthy plants of uniform grades are selected. They are 

 set a little deeper in the bed than they were in the pots. 

 This is especially true of grafted stock, for all bud develop- 

 ment should take place above the union of stock and 

 cion. After the plants are set, the soil should be com- 

 pacted. This firming will be more beneficial in lighter soils 

 than in clay soils. The soil should then be moistened, 

 not water-soaked, and no more water applied until root 

 action has started. The foliage should be sprayed every 

 bright day, and the walks in the houses dampened. 



