128 COMMERCIAL ROSE CULTURE 



much credit. The American grower looks to such men as E. G. 

 Hill, Alexander Montgomery, John Cook of Baltimore, raiser 

 of My Maryland, and others for a race of plants which will fill 

 all the requirements of our exacting methods of cultivation 

 and marketing. 



THE ART OF WATERING 



One of the arts of growing good Roses lies in knowing 

 when and in what quantities to apply water. In Winter time, 

 from about November 1 to February 1, it is best to water 

 rather light and carefully, allowing the beds to become a little 

 on the dry side before giving more water. Water most freely 

 when a new growth is being made, then reduce the quantity 

 when the crop is almost off. At certain times in Spring and 

 Summer it is almost impossible to give too much water. Soak 

 the beds thoroughly when starting up new after drying off in 

 the Summer time. By drying off I mean reducing the water 

 supply, not the old-fashioned way of drying the beds so that 

 they crack open. It will do no harm to repeat : do not dry too 

 much. One month is long enough to dry off in the Summer 

 time. 



If the loam is sour, heavy waterings will sometimes help to 

 sweeten it. If the loam becomes filled with an accumulation of 

 poisonous salts from excessive feeding with fertilizers, it has 

 been recommended to water very heavily, allowing the water to 

 run copiously through the bottom of the bench. This may be 

 kept up for several hours. 



Never attempt to grow Roses on a bench without proper 

 drainage. If the water will not pass through easily, rebuild the 

 bottom. 



Never water heavily at the commencement of a spell of 

 dark, cold weather in Winter. Generally speaking, any water 

 fit for drinking or washing purposes is good for growing Roses ; 

 the nearer it approaches to rain water the better it is. 



