584 Cultivation of Plants. 



light, and mixed with sand is perhaps preferable to leaf- 

 mould. Or it would serve well to improve the fertility of poor 

 peat. In all cases the introduction of even the smallest quan- 

 tity of farm-yard manure should be avoided, for of all plants 

 these are the most susceptible, and contact with animal dung* 

 is either fatal or very injurious to the majority of them. 

 Otherwise the more substantial the soil is, other conditions 

 being equal, the better the plants will flourish in it. Nearly 

 all the trees and shrubs coming under this category may be 

 propagated from layers or suckers ; but the garden varieties of 

 Ehododendrons, etc., are usually grafted on the commoner 

 forms. As a stock for Ehododendrons, E. Ponticum is generally 

 employed, being very hardy and easily raised from seed or layers. 

 E, Catawbiense is also occasionally used, but the hybrid varieties 

 do not take so well on this as on the common one. The prin- 

 cipal objection to E. Ponticum for the tender varieties .is its 

 earliness ; but as only a few species, such as E. campanulatum, 

 and E. argenteum, are said to succeed well on the other, it is 

 generally preferred. 



As an artificial soil in most cases is necessary, it is a common 

 practice to plant these shrubs in masses, and from their bushy 

 habit this method is very suitable and effective. After a bed 

 is once established, little care is required. The removal of 

 weeds and dead wood, and the yearly application of a thin 

 layer of leaf-mould, are the principal operations. In very dry 

 seasons, and especially where recently transplanted, copious 

 waterings will be very beneficial. 



3. Culture and Propagation of Roses. 



A few words may be devoted to this popular genus, although 

 as a rule its members require but little skilful attention after 

 they have once been properly planted. But, like most other 

 things, a little extra care in the different operations connected 

 with their culture will be amply repaid by healthy free-bloom- 

 ing plants. Grenerally speaking, Eoses may be said to flourish 

 in any tolerably good garden soil, provided it be free and well 

 drained. Deep tillage and generous applications of farm- 

 yard manure are indispensable to obtain strong growth and 

 fine blossoms. Liquid manure may be frequently given in 

 summer with advantage. 



The site for a rosary should be open, airy, and light, for 

 Eoses languish, and produce but little flower in a partially 



