GENERAL CULTURE 69 



has continuous ventilation on both sides of the roof this is easy, 

 as, by opening both sides a little in windy weather, the air 

 passes through the top without beating down on the plants; or 

 the lee side may be opened wide while the side to windward is 

 kept closed. 



All routine work should be done well and on time, and the 

 houses kept clean and plants free at all times from all pests and 

 diseases. Air slaked lime may be sprinkled occasionally under 

 the benches. The walks should be kept clean and free from 

 muddy places or standing water, although they should be 

 damped down often enough so that they are never dust dry. 



Such varieties as Kaiserin, Carnot, and others, used for 

 Summer flowering, may remain for years undisturbed and pro- 

 duce the best flowers in this way. Summer Roses will do well in 

 a house not quite so good as the ones required for Winter, but 

 for Winter work the best houses are required, and, generally 

 speaking, these houses are replanted about every three years. 



If one-third of the place is planted every twelve months, 

 you have plants in all stages of growth, and can keep up a suc- 

 cession of flowers all the year around. Commence to dry off 

 a part at a time and rest it 'about a month. Then you can 

 start a few benches every two weeks, which will enable you to 

 start up the last lot in time to bring in a good crop for Christ- 

 mas. 



It is advisable to leave Roses undisturbed if they are doing 

 well and are desirable varieties rather than to replant. They 

 may be left much longer in solid beds than on benches. 



Commence to rest your plants by withholding water grad- 

 ually and syringing but little. Do not let the soil get so dry 

 that it cracks apart, or the wood so dry that it will shrivel. 

 More harm is done by too much drying than otherwise, and it 

 takes such plants a long time to get a new start. When ready 

 to start a batch, cut them down about halfway ; this is an opera- 

 tion which may be varied somewhat. We have had good re- 



