26 Roses for Amateurs. 



to the nursery, so much the better, for they can then be 

 taken up, packed, and carried off, and as soon as possible, 

 if not planted, " heeled-in," for nothing can be more in- 

 jurious to the future well-being of the Rose than to have its 

 roots exposed for a time before planting. How one has 

 mourned to see plants lying out on the path, exposed to a 

 cold, biting easterly wind, which dries up the tender 

 spongioles of the roots at a time when they have not the 

 opportunity of repairing the damage; for, although there 

 may be, and probably is, root-action during the winter, yet 

 it is of a comparatively feeble character, and therefore 

 no strain should be imposed on the plants which they are 

 unable to bear. Should it be impossible to go to the nursery 

 to obtain the plants, as soon as they are received thence by 

 road or rail, they should be unpacked, and, if the ground is 

 not ready or the weather is unfavourable (frost or wet), be 

 11 heeled-in " i.e., laid on their sides in a shallow trench, 

 and the soil thrown in to cover the roots. 



Soil-Condition. 



It must be clearly understood that nothing is gained by 

 planting Roses when the ground is sticky ; it is far better 

 to wait until it is in a workable condition, and, if the roots 

 are well covered, they will not be injured by being delayed. 

 It is not that harm is done by standing on the beds and, if 

 they are of the width already mentioned, there will be no 

 necessity for doing this but because the roots, being com- 

 paratively inactive, will rot, and so injure the plants. 



Having at last obtained the requisite fine weather, the 

 operation should be commenced. Open the holes at the 

 distance you wish the plants to be the more room they have 

 the better; in a bed 4ft. wide there will be room for three 

 rows of plants, and they may be placed at the same distance 

 in the rows. It is inadvisable to put, as some recommend, 

 manure and loam into the hole before planting : manure is 



