96 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



gas, or is it due to the varieties? It is extremely desirable to 

 ascertain the cause of failure, for nothing is so delightful in the 

 parlor or stud}- as blooming roses. 



John C. Hovey had known a number of cases similar to that 

 mentioned by the preceding speaker, where, before gas was intro- 

 duced, roses did well. He thought the cause of failure was some- 

 thing put into the soil or taken out of it. 



Hon. Marshall P. Wilder thought the paper which had been 

 read a remarkable one, historically and scientifically, and also for 

 its beauty and eloquence. He did not know how he could contro- 

 vert anything that the essayist had said. He was surprised at the 

 close study which the writer had made of the various classes of 

 roses. When the paper is examined it will be found that he has 

 given us just the information we want. Mr. Wilder concluded by 

 moving a vote of thanks for this remarkable paper, which was 

 unanimously passed. 



President Moore said, in answer to Mr. Muzzey's inquiry, that 

 the use of coal stoves, air-tight stoves, furnaces, and gas had 

 made it more difBcult to grow roses and other plants in the house 

 than formerly, but they can be grown in an old-fashioned kitchen 

 with a large chimney and a wood fire, as well as ever. The 

 Cottage rose is difficult to propagate by cuttings, but easy by 

 layers. It is very beautiful for a fortnight in June. 



Mr. Strong did not agree with the President in regard to fur- 

 naces ; he tliought them one of the best protections against impure 

 air. A well-constructed furnace, with a wrought-iron dome of 

 sufficient size, an ample evaporating pan, and introducing plenty 

 of fresh air, will give us the best atmosphere we can have in-doors 

 in cold weather. Plants in the house must be kept free from dust, 

 and will want showei'ing and care to keep awa}' the red spider, — 

 the worst of all insects. 



Mr. Hovey said he did not refer to gas from a furnace, but to 

 illuminating gas. 



Joseph H. Woodford said that in his experience it was impos- 

 sible to grow roses in parlors ; they can be grown in the kitchen, 

 where the air is cooler and moister and changed ofteuer. In out- 

 door culture they must have very rich soil. In the fall he banks them 

 up with earlh six or eight inches high, and fills the space between 

 the rows with good strong manure. In the spring the ground is 

 levelled, and the portion of the plants covered will be found to be 

 unhurt by the winter. All Remontants are tender and should be 



