82 ROSES 



should be to get all the roses housed by July 

 ist, so that they can make a good growth 

 during the rest of that month. Two weeks' 

 growth then is worth twice as much in Octo- 

 ber or November. 



The soil as previously prepared, by com- 

 posting either in the autumn or spring, is 

 brought into the house and put into the beds 

 in benches which have been thoroughly 

 cleaned. It is well to line the bottom of the 

 bench with sod to hold in the soil, putting the 

 grassy side downward. This is especially 

 necessary when the boards of the bench are 

 placed an inch apart, as is sometimes the case. 

 Fill up the benches three inches of soil is 

 the proper depth for young roses and apply 

 such fertiliser as may be necessary, mixing it 

 in thoroughly with the hands, at the same 

 time picking out all stones and any other 

 rough material. Finish it by leaving the 

 surface of the bed rounded rather than level 

 to allow for any subsequent settling. Don't 

 pound the soil, and use a fork to break up 

 any lumps if you like, but the most practical 

 men use their hands as the levelling and 

 finishing tool. 



The actual work of planting is easy enough. 



