92 ROSES FOR ENGLISH GARDENS 



beds. One of the best hedges for the purpose may 

 be formed of the common Arbor-vitae, as it is of 

 tolerably quick growth, makes an excellent screen, 

 and its roots extend but a short distance on each 

 side. Wherever it is possible Roses should be allowed 

 a separate bed or beds to themselves, and not be 

 planted with other flowers. Where it is intended to 

 grow a large number of Rose plants, beds might with 

 advantage be made in the virgin soil of some paddock 

 or other piece of pasture land, such as may frequently 

 be found adjoining country gardens. 



Soil. — A deep, strong loam is the very best soil for 

 Roses — land on which an exceptionally good crop of 

 wheat could be grown. But as this ideal soil for a 

 Rose garden is seldom to be found ready to hand, an 

 endeavour must be made to supply the existing soil 

 with those ingredients and physical qualities in which 

 it is most deficient. For instance, should it be a 

 stiff clay, it must, if necessary, be drained. If not 

 so retentive as to require draining, a liberal quantity 

 of burnt earth and long stable manure, sand, &c, 

 must be incorporated with it. If on the other hand 

 the existing soil be too light and porous, some heavier 

 loam should be mixed with it, and cow instead of 

 stable manure introduced. If on examination the soil 

 be found not only porous but also shallow, some 

 of the chalk, gravel, or sand beneath must be entirely 

 removed and replaced by the heaviest soil, not absolute 

 clay, obtainable in the neighbourhood. 



The Preparation of a Rose Bed. — When the prepara- 

 tion of the bed is completed it should contain suitable 



