ROSES 131 



then put on stage, standing the pots on ashes. Do not water much 

 at root, but keep tops lightly syringed two or three times a day. If 

 mildew becomes troublesome indoors or out, give a good dusting with 

 black sulphur. Sulphide of potassium sprayed on foliage with Abol 

 syringe is an excellent preventive. Spray the under part of foliage 

 also. Suckers must be kept down, those from the root being removed 

 with an iron spud. 



Budding will now be in full swing. 



AUGUST is a quiet month. Mildew is usually troublesome, but it 

 cannot well be avoided one is at the mercy of the weather. The most 

 affected shoots may be cut off. Mildew is often caused through want of 

 good hoeing, too much water or not enough, and over-doses of liquid 

 manure. Trench ground well, keep plants thrifty, and much of the 

 evils they are prone to will disappear. Soil should now be prepared for 

 potting next month. If bone-meal is used (and no better fertiliser for 

 Roses can be found) add this now at the rate of a five-inch pot to a 

 barrow-load of soil. Keep the compost in an airy shed away from wet. 



Layering is best done this month. Wherever a growth is pliable 

 enough to bend, an own-root plant may be secured. Give the shoot a 

 twist if too risky to cut it ; put it under the earth as explained, using 

 plenty of sand about that part which is under the ground. Fine plants 

 in about eighteen months are to be had by this method of propagation. 



SEPTEMBER. Where possible the beginner should commence his 

 operations this month. The bed or border that he proposes to plant 

 with Roses should be trenched. By doing this a month before planting 

 the ground settles down and is in better condition for planting when 

 the time arrives. 



Cuttings of hardy Roses should now be made and planted at once. 

 This would include some cuttings of Hedge Briars, also Manetti, for 

 stocks, if anxious to bud a few for one's self. If Manetti be not avail- 

 able, cuttings of old-fashioned and Rambler Roses will answer as well. 



Buds that were inserted in July should now be untied if not already 

 done. If any are dead it may not be too late to rebud dwarf stocks. 



Climbers on walls, arches, or pillars, should be unfastened and old 

 and dead wood cut away. Where plants have been neglected this thin- 

 ning should be done by degrees, not in one season. Tall climbers, such 

 as Gloire de Dijon, are best unfastened and laid carefully on the ground. 

 The old wood can be more easily removed and the plant refastened in a 

 more satisfactory way. Roses that were grown under glass in the late 

 spring, and that have been plunged outdoors for the summer must now 

 be repotted. Afterwards stand them on a bed of ashes, and syringe 

 morning and evening for a week or two. If very dry, water at the root. 

 Loam may sometimes be bought at a reasonable price where building 

 operations are going on. If so, do not fail to secure a load or two. 

 This is the stuff to grow good Roses in both in pots and beds. 



OCTOBER. Study the catalogues carefully and give the order early. 

 Never buy cheap Roses because they are cheap. Go to a good house that 

 has a reputation of supplying quality and true to name. Remember many 

 of the old Roses are still the best. The lists have been carefully pre- 



