THE HISTORY AND CULTIVATION OF THE ROSE. 39 



Some few will vegetate the first year, but many will lie 

 dormant until the year following. 



The novel idea of introducing Roses in pots as exhibi- 

 tion plants was first given forth by the Horticultural 

 Society of London ; other societies have since adopted it, 

 and they now form a distinct and brilliant feature in our 

 floral fetes. The beautiful specimens of Roses that have 

 been produced growing in pots having fully proved them 

 to be suitable for the purpose, we may anticipate they will 

 become a very popular class of pot plants. If, indeed, we 

 consider the length of time they continue in bloom, the 

 richness, beauty, and variety of colour, their delicious 

 fragrance, and the handsome appearance of a well-grown 

 Rose-bush when in full bloom, it cannot be otherwise. I 

 have been occasionally asked, what are the advantages 

 gained by growing Roses in pots? The same question 

 may be asked in reference to many other plants. But let 

 us consider what are the advantages. By growing Roses 

 in pots we may, with the aid of a greenhouse, have Roses 

 in bloom nearly the whole year round, Again, when 

 grown in pots, they are moveable and can be brought to 

 ornament any particular spot in the garden that may be 

 deficient in flowers, or be wanted to look gay at one 

 particular time. Then in some soils, as in low wet places, 

 and in some neighbourhoods, as in the vicinity of large 

 towns, many kinds cannot be grown well under any other 

 mode of culture. If further reasons for pot-culture are 

 required, we would say some of the most beautiful varieties 

 are incapable of enduring the rigours of our climate : 

 for them pot -culture admits of certain and perfect 

 development. Roses intended for growing in pots, if not 

 on their own roots, should be on stems not exceeding one 

 foot in height The generality of Roses flourish in a soil 

 composed of two-thirds yellow loam in a turfy state, and 

 one-third decomposed manure. For the Tea-Scented and 

 Chinese Roses, however, and especially when on their own 

 roots, the soil should be made lighter by the addition of 



