52 GARDENS OF ENGLAND 



another ; but this one can say with absolute truth, 

 that on a poor soil, such as falls to the lot of 

 many, it is unwise, expensive, and brings certain 

 disappointment, to lay a poor foundation. A 

 small grouping of white pinks gives a still greater 

 charm to the picture, the soft billowy mass of 

 fragrant bloom in June hiding for the time those 

 silvery lea-^es which seem more silvery still in the 

 cool winter light. 



The necessity for care in the preparation of 

 the soil for the reception of roses is insisted upon 

 in the excellent little guide published by that 

 interesting Society, the National Rose Society, 

 of which the late Dean of Rochester was the first 

 president, and one of the founders. It is there 

 mentioned that the ground in which the roses are 

 to be planted should be dug or " bastard trenched " 

 to the depth of eighteen inches or two feet, and 

 a liberal supply of manure incorporated with it. 

 This should be completed, if possible, a week or 

 two before planting-time, so that the soil may settle 

 down after having been moved. Soils vary so 

 greatly that it is impossible to give directions for 

 all circumstances, but the following advice may 

 be of service : light soils will be improved by the 

 addition of that of heavier texture ; heavier soils 



