102 ON ROSES. 



intended to occupy, will in most cases settle this question. 

 But apart from these considerations, we think that tall 

 standard Roses have been too plentifully used in orna- 

 mental gardening. A Rose tree, except when viewed 

 from a distance, is more beautiful growing under the eye 

 than on a level with or above it. And for these reasons ; 

 the face of a flower is more captivating than the base 

 or sides, and the upper surface of the leaves is more 

 highly finished than the lower. One lesson taught us 

 by the winter of 1 860-61 should not be forgotten, viz., 

 that budded and grafted Roses are sometimes killed when 

 those on their own roots pass safely through the severest 

 frosts. AIL lovers of Roses should plant at least one of 

 each of the most valued sorts on its own roots ; the winter 

 may indeed kill the shoots of these plants above ground, 

 but the dormant buds beneath the earth will remain safe, 

 and will quickly restore the plant to its original state. 

 The practice of planting budded and grafted Roses in 

 autumn has been unwisely extended to those on their 

 own roots. Against this we enter a caution. A greater 

 mistake, we believe, could not be committed. Doubtless 

 many examples of non-success might be traced to this 

 cause. Leaving out of the question the cases of Roses on 

 their own roots which have been nursed up in heat to get 

 them quickly into the market, the custom of transferring 

 a plant from a pot into the ground in early autumn, 

 exposed before it is established to all the vicissitudes of 

 an English winter, is contrary alike to sound theory and 

 practice. Plant such in April or May, when the growing 

 season has commenced, and the result will be a well- 

 established plant before the winter arrives,, and one that 

 will live and flourish in spite of its trials and difficulties. 



