66 How TO Grow Cut Flwees. 



ing be light for a few days, filling the depression 

 spoken of around the plant the first time water is ap- 

 plied, bnt confining its use to frequent light syringing 

 until root action commences. In this way the roots 

 will seek the surrounding soil much more rapidly than 

 if the entire bench is water soaked. 



In about ten days the surface will be covered with a 

 multitude of small weeds. To exterminate these, on a 

 bright sunny day, take a small fine rake and go over 

 the whole carefully. If this is practiced every week 

 for three or four weeks, there will be no necessity for 

 band picking, and by that time, the plants if strong 

 at first, will have put out a vigorous growth and be 

 ready lOr their first mulching, but to facilitate this 

 they should be properly staked and tied. 



CHAPTER XVII. 



STAKING AND TYING. 



I am not sure whether the old practice of cutting 

 bean poles for the purpose of staking, in order to save 

 buying canes, has been entirely abandoned or not. If 

 not it should be, as it is a case of mistaken econo- 

 my, for after filling the soil with timber and shading 

 the plants with miniature forest trees, the poor roses 

 have a hard struggle for their share of room and sun- 

 shine. 



