72 How TO Grow Cut Flowers. 



them in exact line and even at the top. This system 

 of tying permits of spreading the plant so that all the 

 space may be occupied, and still not have the foliage 

 bunched, a great assistance in syringing thoroughly. 

 It also leaves space between the rows for the free admis- 

 sion of both air and sunlight, not only to the plants, 

 but to the soil as well. 



The cost of fitting up a house one hundred by eight- 

 een feet in this way, exclusive of labor, is about twenty- 

 five dollars, but it has to be done but once, and posses- 

 ses so many advantages that no one after trying it will 

 regret the outlay. 



CHAPTER XYIII. 

 MULCHIKG. 



The roses being staked and tied, are now ready for 

 mulching. This should be composed of two-thirds well 

 rotted cow manure, and one-third good soil. If the 

 manure is two years old, all the better. Mix well and 

 apply about an inch deep all over the surface. From 

 this time on the soil should never be disturbed, as the 

 plants will throw up a multitude of new roots to absorb 

 this covering, and any weeds that appear after this 

 should be carefully removed by hand. 



If all goes well, the earlier beds may be mulched again 

 in seven or eight weeks, using, if the first is well spent, 



