82 



low and narrow. I can show you our plants without the 

 trouble of going over the house." 



Now this did not suit me. I was in search of information 

 as well as plants. I wanted to see how he grew them. 



" Well, ma'am, if you are not afraid of a little dirt, you 

 can come through my rose-house." 



Opening a side-door, we went out, crossed a small yard, 

 and entered a large span-roofed house. This building was 

 without stages, but had all the roses planted out in the 

 border or floor as in an out-door garden. 



"That," said the man, pointing to a large and thrifty 

 bush filled with long, almond-shaped rosebuds of a delicate 

 straw or sulphur color, ' l is the sofrano. And that the bon 

 silene," pointing to a blood-red rose-bud, similar in shape 

 " These two roses are the best for your use. They are 

 adapted to all kinds of flower-work. The sofrano is used 

 both for funeral or wedding orders, and the bon silene is un- 

 rivalled for brilliancy of color. I can sell you plants of 

 these two kinds one foot high and one year old, in pots, for 

 thirty-five dollars a hundred. They are all in good order 

 and some are showing flower. " 



"How many buds can I expect from each before next 

 July?" 



"Well, I couldn't say exactly. If they are well grown, 

 you can cut from six to twenty buds in that time. If you 

 only cut six, you will more than pay for the plants. Good 

 sofrano buds are worth eight cents each in the winter." 



