166 PROPAGATION OF SUMMER ROSES. 



be rotten dung and pit sand in equal quantities, 

 well mixed ; the shoot must then be 6 tongued,' i. e. 

 the knife introduced just below a bud, and brought 

 upwards, so as to cut about half way through ; this 

 must be done at the side or back of the shoot (not 

 by any means at the front or in the bend), so that 

 the tongue does not close ; to make this certain a 

 small piece of glass or thin earthenware may be 

 introduced to keep it open. Much nicety is required 

 to have the tongue at the upper part of the shoot, 

 so as not to be in the part which forms the bow, as 

 it is of consequence that it should be within two 

 inches of the surface, so as to feel the effects of 

 the atmospheric heat ; unless this is attended to, 

 the roots will not be emitted quickly; the tongued 

 part must be placed in the centre of the compost, 

 and a moderate-sized stone put on the surface of 

 the ground to keep the layer in its place. The 

 first week in November the layers may be taken 

 from the parent plant, and either potted as re- 

 quired, or planted out where they are to remain. 

 Those shoots not long enough in July and August 

 may be layered in October, when the layers are 

 taken from the stools, and, if any are forgotten, 

 February and March will be the most favourable 

 months for the operation ; as a general rule, July 

 is the most proper season. 



