48 The Rose Garden. 



CHAPTER IV. 



On Locality and Soils, and the Improvement or 

 Adaptation of Soils for Rose Culture. 



T F we were called upon to select a spot as best suited for the cultivation of Roses, 

 *- we should seek one at a distance from large towns, that we might secure the 

 advantages of a pure air. It should lie open to the south, and be so far removed 

 from trees of every description that their roots could not reach the soil of our Rose- 

 beds, or their tops overpower us with shade and prevent a free circulation of air. 

 The climate should be moist rather than dry, especially if large stout-petalled flowers 

 are looked for, which are indeed essential if growing for exhibition. If, in addition 

 to this, we could choose our soil, that preferred would be a strong loam ; if rich, so 

 much the better ; if poor, we would enrich it by the addition of manures. Whatever 

 the subsoil may be, the surface soil should not be less than two feet, and if three or 

 four feet deep before reaching the clay, sand, rock, or gravel, the cultivator is fortunate. 

 The roots of Roses will often strike down almost perpendicularly to the depth of 

 three feet when the soil is permeable to that depth. It is generally known that the 

 Dog- Rose delights in a stiff holding soil ; and it is on the Dog- Rose the choice garden 

 varieties are largely budded. We do not intend by this to recommend soils commonly 

 termed clayey, for in such there is often too great a deficiency of vegetable substances; 

 lighter soils, too, are found better suited for such kinds as thrive best grown on their 

 own roots ; but this may be managed by the addition of a little light turfy loam, peat, 

 or leaf-mould at the time of planting. An open airy situation and a stiff loamy soil are, 

 we say, what we should prefer were our choice of locality and soil unlimited. With 

 these at our command we should expect to carry Rose-culture to perfection. " But," 

 says the amateur, " all gardens must have Roses, and how few are there thus favour- 

 ably circumstanced ! Many are close to large towns where the air is rendered impure 

 by the clouds of smoke constantly streaming into them. Others are of small size, 

 and are often hemmed in by trees on all sides on this with a neighbour's favourite 

 chestnuts ; on that with a group of sombre-looking firs ; and on another with a row of 

 towering elms. And although we may think it not right that our less majestic 



