Soils, Manures, &c. 55 



surface in the form of a thick brown liquid, like so much rust, which is covered here 

 and there with a film on which the sky is distinctly mirrored. When the soil in this 

 nursery is hoed or forked the rapid increase of growth of vegetation is striking be- 

 yond measure. This practice is known to promote growth in all soils, but the extent 

 to which it does so here is, I think, due to the oxygen of the air changing the iron 

 contained in the soil from a substance pernicious to vegetable life into one favourable 

 to its development. 



We have hitherto been speaking of the improvement of soils preparatory to the 

 formation of the Rosarium or beds of Roses. But it is often desirable to improve 

 the soil in beds already formed, and which probably have existed for a number of 

 years. This is usually done by the addition of animal or vegetable manures, which 

 are very good so far as they go, but are not in every case all that is required. Roses 

 increase in bulk every year, and draw inorganic as well as organic matter from the 

 soil. Although a portion of this may be returned by the fall of the leaf in autumn, 

 and by the manures employed, yet a great deal is deposited in the branches and stem ; 

 and when we consider what a quantity of branches we cut from some Roses and carry 

 away every pruning season, it will appear reasonable that we may, in the course of 

 years, impoverish the soil as regards its inorganic constituents, and yet leave it rich in 

 vegetable matter. Thus, we think, every three or four years a dressing of chalk, lime, 

 soot, bones, or like substances, would prove highly beneficial to the beds of the 

 Rosarium. 



But let it be remembered that if the soil is wet manures are of little value. In all 

 such cases, then, the first effort must be to lay the soil dry. After this add such 

 manures as the character of the soil may point out as likely to prove most beneficial. 

 Animal and vegetable manures of all kinds may be used, but not in a fresh state. 

 They should be well decayed, for Roses, though delighting in a rich soil, dislike green 

 manures more than most plants. In heavy soils a good dressing of chalk, peat, burnt 

 earth, or sand may be used, not to the preclusion of, but in addition to, the animal or 

 vegetable manures. In light soils, especially such as are of a gravelly or sandy 

 nature, stiff loam may be applied to advantage. These substances may be thrown on 

 the surface of the beds with the usual manures, and forked in at the same time. 



We would remark here that stable manure, which is excellent in most cases, and 

 the kind in general use for Roses, is not of the best description for light soils. Its 

 tendency is to render them still lighter, and if it can be dispensed with on light soils 

 we think it desirable to omit it. Manures should be applied here in a more concen- 

 trated form. Cow-dung is excellent, especially for the Tea-scented Roses ; and 

 pigeon-dung, rabbit-dung, and night-soil are all great improvers of light soils. The un- 

 pleasantness attending the preparation and use of night-soil may in a great measure 

 be done away with by pursuing the following plan A basin or reservoir should be 

 formed on the ground to hold a given quantity. In the bottom of this loam may be 



