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 hetter 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 
Rhododendrons, ete., are usually grafted on the commoner 
forms. Asa stock for Rhododendrons, R. Ponticum is generally 
employed, being very hardy and easily raised from seed or layers. 
R. Catawhiense 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 R. Ponticum for the tender varieties is its 
earliness ; but as only a few species, such as R. campanulatum, 
and R. 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 hed 
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. Generally speaking, Roses 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 
Roses languish, and produce but little flower in a partially 
