214 How TO Grow Cut Flowers. 



should also be frozen in all sections possible to do it, in 

 order to destroy worms and insects usually found in 

 grass lands. Some recommend cutting and storing in 

 seasons of extreme drought, claiming that in this con- 

 dition no insect life will be found to exist. This I 

 have never proved, but can recommend early winter 

 frosts. If the sod is tough it can be so plowed as to 

 stand partially on edge, and in this condition the first 

 cold spell will freeze it thoroughly, after which it can 

 be brought together in a pile, whatever is to be mixed 

 with it added, and the whole be ready for turning 

 early in the spring. This cannot always be accom- 

 plished in this way eVen in frosty sections, but some 

 means should be devised for its accomplishment, 

 and if no other offers, the labor entailed in the plan 

 outlined on page 105 is to be preferred to using soil 

 that has not been thus renovated. There are but few 

 roses that will not be benefited by an addition to the 

 soil of at least one-fifth manure — some use as much as 

 one-third. In either case, especially in that of the 

 larger amount, it must have been so well composted 

 when added to the soil, as to have nearly disappeared 

 when the soil is ready for use, or to have become so 

 thoroughly incorporated as to be nearly indistin- 

 guishable. If green manure is all that can be had, not 

 more than one yard, to seven of sod should be used, 

 in which case more dependence will have to be had on 

 the various modes of top dressing as the plants re- 



