ROSES 83 



down the other. They must be stopped in autumn, but not too early 

 or they will break out into growth again. The object is to get them 

 thoroughly hard, for it is upon these that the flowers appear, and if 

 they are good, strong, hard growths some noble blossoms will result. 



Now comes the question of the rods for future requirements. After 

 flowering cut the canes right back to the two main arms, and again the 

 latter send out new shoots, which will require thinning as before. After 

 flowering maintain a good heat, and freely syringe the plants before eight 

 o'clock in the morning, and after four o'clock in the afternoon. The 

 border must not be neglected, but usually one or two good waterings 

 suffice, with an occasional dose of liquid manure. Before doing so prod 

 the soil with a fork. This, then, is the best plan of growing Marechal 

 Niel Roses. 



But it may also be grown in a cold-house. Here again we advise 

 half-standard plants, but they must not be pruned back so hard, as 

 artificial heat is not available. Keep the growths well spread out, and 

 weak wood thinned out. Remove old shoots now and then, and retain 

 as much new wood as possible. 



Amateurs would find this Rose profitable to grow, especially if 

 retarded so that the plants flowered about the end of May and early 

 June when Roses are scarce. This can be done by pruning late and 

 keeping ventilators open night and day. We have seen the door made 

 in two sections so that the lower half is kept always open, thus allowing 

 a current of air to enter without a draught being caused. 



Preparing a Border for Roses under Glass. Allusion has been 

 already made to this work. When it is decided to plant out all Roses 

 (and we strongly advise this) prepare the border in the same way, even 

 for dwarf growers. Roses glory in good loam, but they detest stagna- 

 tion, hence the need for drainage either natural or artificial. An invest- 

 ment in two or three cartloads of loam will well repay the grower of indoor 

 Roses. 



Roses in Small Greenhouses. In a small structure where other 

 plants are grown, Roses should be in pots or tubs. If there are no cold 

 draughts the hardier section can be cultivated. Such plants as have 

 been grown for twelve months outdoors in pots are the best for the 

 beginner. The pots are full of roots, which is the main secret of success. 

 Supposing the beginner wishes to grow a few pot Roses let him either 

 purchase established plants in 6-inch or 8-inch pots or bushes in October 

 and pot them up himself. Prepare some compost in September, and 

 this should consist of three-parts loam, one-part well-rotted manure, 

 preferably from the cowyard, not fresh but one year old. Then add a 

 little artificial manure at the rate of a 6-inch potful to a wheelbarrow- 

 load of soil. Mix all well together, and let it remain in a rain-proof 

 open shed until required. When plants are received in October, cut 

 off all foliage, trim back the growths to i| to 2 feet, shorten the roots a 

 little, and smooth off jagged ends, and they are ready for potting. Keep 

 them in the shade until potted. Prepare some 8-inch pots by washing 

 them inside and out, place about i| inches of drainage in bottom, 



