148 The Rose Garden. 



in which standards and half-standards might be planted ; say three or five rows a 

 row of tall plants along the centre and shorter ones on either side. 



In forcing Roses on a small scale a pit with a span-roof may be constructed at a 

 very trifling cost ; and an Arnott's stove, proportioned to the size of the pit, proves an 

 effectual and wholesome heating apparatus. A pit 20 feet long and 1 5 feet wide, of 

 sufficient height to enable one to walk conveniently down the middle, will hold i oo 

 large plants ; and to heat this structure a moderate-sized Arnott's stove is sufficient. 

 A pan of water should be placed on the top of the stove to preserve a proper degree 

 of moisture in the atmosphere. Plants removed from the open ground will flower 

 better if grown one year iri pots before forcing. Their early treatment is the same 

 as that of other Roses in pots, which is fully described in the last Chapter. To 

 this, then, we need not revert, but will suppose the amateur in possession of strong 

 plants of at least two years' growth, whether of his own raising or purchased at the 

 Nurseries. When about to force Roses on their own roots we should ascertain 



Fig. 41. ROSE HOUSE. Ground Plan. 



whether the pots are full of sound healthy roots ; for if they are not, only partial 

 success can be obtained. If fine flowers are wanted, the last week in December or the 

 first week in January is early enough to commence forcing, and but little fire-heat 

 should be given in the first instance. This is their artificial Spring, and a low night 

 temperature must necessarily be secured. The Rose is not a lover of a powerful 

 heat ; it must be forced steadily, increasing the temperature by degrees if flowers are 

 required very early. Where bottom-heat can be readily obtained, we think it 

 advantageous, although by no means necessary. A good point to start from in 

 forcing is 50 to 55 degrees by day, and 40 degrees by night. The temperature of the 

 house requires close attention ; and the state of the atmosphere as regards its 

 humidity, although often overlooked, is equally important. Too dry an atmosphere 

 causes a drain upon the nutritive organs, and will cause the young leaves to wither 

 and fall off; it also encourages red spider. A too damp atmosphere is favourable to 

 the production of mildew, especially if the temperature should fall suddenly from -the 

 effect of atmospheric changes from without, or other causes. A dry air may be 



