60 Roses for Amateurs. 



the other hand, where the staple is heavy, then horse manure 

 is preferable. Whichever is used, we have found it far more 

 serviceable when well soaked with the rich liquid drainings 

 from the heap in a stockyard ; or, failing that, the ordinary 

 house-slops may be similarly employed. Those who grow 

 Roses for show would do well to keep such a heap if this be 

 possible, with a view to utilising it in the autumn. In order 

 to prevent it from going rank the mass would require to be 

 turned occasionally. Farmyard manure as a mulch may 

 also be applied in spring, after pruning has taken place. 



With regard to other manures, opinions differ considerably 

 as to which of the many artificial and others may be used 

 with benefit. Still, most growers will agree that the majority 

 of those " artificials " already referred to may be used with 

 particular benefit. Then there are also other special manures 

 basic slag, superphosphate of lime, bone-meal, and muriate 

 of potash, for example that must not be lost sight of. 

 Basic slag and muriate of potash and superphosphates are 

 excellent for light soils. They tend to impart floriferousness, 

 as well as sturdiness and substance, to the flowers, which is 

 all-important in the case of exhibition Roses. The former 

 should be used at the rate of 2oz. to the square yard, and 

 the superphosphates in a similar proportion, save that muriate 

 of potash (Joz.) should be combined therewith in addition. 

 These are best put on the soil in late spring. Weak 

 manure and soot-water in combination may also be applied 

 once a week in summer, taking advantage of a .showery day. 



Show Apparatus. 



Having determined to try his hand at exhibiting, it is 

 necessary for the amateur to be provided with the requisite 

 apparatus for so doing. Boxes according to the number of 

 Roses to be accommodated must be provided, also tubes 

 and wires, and plenty of moss, more especially of nice, 

 smooth, green moss, for the surface of the boxes. A box 



