24 HOW TO GROW ROSES 



for ink, page 23) so that names and dates are not lost by 

 rust or peeling, as on iron labels; and, if by chance the name 

 has to be erased, this can be done with emery cloth. Only 

 one size is made, viz., gyi inches in length, by 3^ inches in 

 width at the top. 



The Simplex Label 



The Simplex labels have recently been greatly improved. 

 You should know them. Placed securely on the top of a 

 suitable metal stake, 1 6 inches long, is a 1 yi- by 2^4 -inch metal 

 frame, with solid back, tilted at an angle of about 45 

 degrees, whose legend is easily read and weather- 

 proof. In this frame is a slightly roughened celluloid 

 card on which to write the name, date, etc., with a pencil, 

 and over this, for protection, is slipped in a clear smooth 

 piece of mica. They are too new to have been tried 

 thoroughly, but we predict wide use for them. They are 

 painted neutral green, and in every respect seem, to the 

 writer, calculated to meet the tastes and requirements 

 of the most exacting. The objection which some people 

 have for labels is that they are so unsightly and spoil 

 the appearance of the rose-beds, but the wire-staked 

 green ones are most unobtrusive. The most elite rose- 

 Iabels we have ever found were those used by M. Graver- 

 eaux, where, on top of metal stakes were screwed flat, oval 

 name-plates of porcelain, with the names burned in. 



Platting 



But the "best laid" labels sometimes go wrong, and in 

 some unexplainable fashion do get lost; therefore, to be 

 entirely protected, you can take out label insurance. Some 

 people think this is more important than labeling. Draw a 

 diagram of your bed, and then with letters or numbers 

 indicate on it the location of each rose. With this make out 

 and keep a key-list of roses lettered or numbered to corre- 

 spond with those on the diagram. We venture to predict 

 that such a list will prove its value before the end of the 

 second year. 



