30 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED 



planted, it makes them produce superabundance of roots and little 

 top. Also that it produces mildew, which works from the roots 

 upwards. Is this so ? F. .#., Ipswich. 



A. There is'no truth in the assertion that bones are injurious to 

 Roses, in fact it is the other way about, as you may see if you turn 

 out a pot Rose in which bones have been mixed with the soil. 

 Every little rootlet will quickly lay hold of the small particles. 

 Half-inch bones are more durable for outside planting. We should 

 advise about l Ib. to 2 Ib. to 2 bushels of soil, or say, two handfuls 

 for each plant, well mixing it with the soil. There should be farm- 

 yard manure applied at the same time if possible. Both standards 

 and Ramblers benefit by the application of -inch bones. 



Basic Slag and Kainit for Roses 



Q. I have been told that these are good for Roses, but am ignor- 

 ant of the manner of using them. Can you help ? Man of Kent. 



A. Basic slag, being nearly half free lime, would be an excellent 

 dressing for land rich in organic matter. The basic slag contains 

 from 16 to 18 per cent, of phosphoric acid, and the kainit about 

 12 per cent, of potash. Do not apply more than 8 oz. per square 

 yard of the basic slag, and 2 oz. to 3 oz. of kainit. The mixture 

 should be dug in as deeply as may be done without injury to the 

 roots, and the earlier in the winter this is done the better will be the 

 effect the following season. In the spring, where the basic slag and 

 kainit have been used in the winter, you may apply a dressing of 

 2 parts superphosphate and 1 part sulphate of ammonia, pointing the 

 mixture very lightly into the soil or hoeing it in, 2 oz. to 3 oz. being 

 applied per square yard. 



Rambler Roses and Others from Cuttings 



Q. Please tell me the correct time to take cuttings of Sweet Briar, 

 climbing Polyantha, and Wichuraiana Roses. What kind of shoots 

 should be taken *? I am told that some Roses besides Gloire de 

 Dijon will flower with little or no sun. Could you kindly name 

 them ? I have struck various Teas in water. Will the above kinds 

 answer thus ? Enquirer, Shrewsbury. 



A. The best time to put in cuttings of the Rambler Roses and 

 other hardy kinds is early in October. Good, well ripened growths 

 are best. Those that have flowered the same year make up into 

 very good cuttings. You could first take off the laterals that bore 

 the blossom, if possible securing a heel or piece of the old wood, and 



