40 THE HISTORY AND CULTIVATION OF THE ROSE. 



leaf-mould, or sand if the soil be not already sandy. This 

 compost should be thrown together in a heap at least 

 three months before required for use, and occasionally 

 turned that the component parts may become well incor- 

 porated, and ripened by exposure to the sun and air. 

 Plants that are removed from the ground, whether in 

 autumn or in spring, should be grown through the first 

 year with the view to establish handsome plants. Thus 

 they should be pruned closely, that the shoots may be 

 formed close at home ; these should be trained during 

 summer into the most favourable position, and kept some 

 distance apart, that the air may circulate freely among, 

 and ripen them. Pot-Roses, except where grown under 

 glass, should be kept plunged. In pruning they require to 

 be pruned rather closer than such as are growing in the 

 free earth, but the same rules are in a general sense 

 applicable to both. The greatest pest with which the 

 cultivator has to contend here is the Grub, with which all 

 Rose-growers are familiar. It is annoying and vexatious 

 enough to have a truss of flowers destroyed in the bud 

 under any circumstances, but here, where the plant is 

 so nicely balanced that the removal of one shoot destroys 

 the uniformity of the whole, it is doubly vexatious. It 

 however often occurs, and the only way to prevent it 

 is to keep a watchful eye over the depredators. This 

 must be done from the time the buds first push, for then, 

 indeed, the ravages oftenest take place. It is not, however, 

 difficult to detect these rapacious pests ; a fine web drawn 

 over the leaf; the leaf rolled up, or the young leaves stick- 

 ing closely together all these point out where they are 

 located, and it is only necessary to press the leaves firmly 

 between the thumb and finger to destroy them. If, how- 

 ever, this is neglected, sad are the results. We have said 

 the Tea-Scented Roses may be grown to perfection in pots 

 in the neighbourhood of large towns ; a cold pit only is neces- 

 sary. Let them be placed here early in November, pruning 

 them at that season, and an abundant flowering will be 



