96 FARM HOMES, IN-DOORS AND OUT-DOORS. 



the rich soil, and the annual cutting away of old wood 

 that they need. Bewildering lists of names appear in the 

 catalogues, but if I were beginning a garden on a limited 

 scale, I would write to some standard florist, and ask him 

 to ^send me three good hardy Roses a pure white, a rich 

 crimson, and a creamy blush with, maybe, the " Gem 

 of the Prairies," for a climber, sending, of course, the 

 catalogue price for hardy roses, and I should be very cer- 

 tain to be suited. 



Eoses should have good loam, with a sprinkling of 

 sand, and a generous admixture of rotted manure. Next 

 to the rich soil, the pruning knife is necessary. Do not 

 hesitate to use it, for the Roses like it, and quickly send 

 out their new shoots and best blooms to tell you so. 

 Shoots two years old should be cut away, and the one 

 year growths pruned down a little, every fall. If any 

 slugs, lice, or other enemies appear in the spring or early 

 summer, make a strong suds of soft soap and rain water, 

 and give the bushes a thorough bath, after which rinse 

 with clear water. Be careful to see that the branches 

 and the underside of the leaves get the benefit of the 

 suds. In blossom-time, gather the Roses with a lavish 

 hand. Glorify the house with them, and send them to 

 friends and neighbors, especially if there are any sick 

 ones among them, for their fresh summery breath is par- 

 ticularly grateful to weary senses. 



Oak-Leaved Hydrangea is a showy and interesting 

 shrub, and is covered in midsummer with very large 

 clusters of white flowers. 



A Scarlet-flowered Japan Quince, and one or two vari- 

 eties of SpircBa, with their feathery sprays of pink and 

 white blossoms, should be afforded if possible. 



The Canna, or "Indian Shot," and Ricinus, or Castor 

 Boan, both raised from seed, make a rich and striking 

 appearance as summer shrubs. The seeds of the Canna 

 must be soakod in hot water fur a while before planting. 



