THE ROSE. 



71 



By Layers. — Layering of Roses chiefly applies to the 

 Climbing classes ; still Dwarf Roses of the shrubby classes 

 ina}*- be layered as a very sure way of getting some sorts 

 that are difficult to obtain by cuttings, grafts, &c, as 

 the Moss, and some of the Provence kinds. In layer- 

 ing bend the wood of the last season's growth, and find 

 out what buds will be in the ground, then cut a tongue 

 at one of the buds on the side that will be under when 

 the branch is layered in. Let the tongue be an inch long 

 from the bud upward ; carefully bring the end of the 

 shoot upright, and the tongue will open and stand out. 

 If it will not do so, place a barley-corn, or an oat, 

 between the tongue and the branch to keep it open. 

 Then lay the branch in the ground 4 or 5 inches under 

 the surface, and gently press the soil on the layer. The 

 layering may be done in August, or in the early 

 spring. 



If the weather is dry, water must be given the layer 

 to encourage it to emit roots, and a little mulch or moss, 

 &c, put over the part layered will much benefit it if 

 the weather is hot and dry. This is an easy and sure 

 way of getting Roses on their own roots, if any of the 

 sorts are difficult to obtain by cuttings. 



Fig. 17. — Ordinary Rose 



cutting. 



The line shows the depth to 



insert it in the ground. 



Fig. 18. — The Rose layered in a 

 pot, passed through the bottom of 

 the pot ; b b, ground line. 



