had filled the holes level with the bed, and I 

 suggested treading it down hard all around up 

 to the stock of the plant, that this was a little 

 strange. But the results have proved it was n't. 

 ^ I recall how even my suggestion that a saucer- 

 like depression be made around the plant seemed 

 a little detail not absolutely essential, but after 

 this depression had been filled with the water 

 I am sure you realized its purpose and value. 

 ^ You know that it is to the roots that we are 

 indebted for our roses, to the faithful roots revel- 

 ing in the fine soil and food we have given them 

 down in the darkness of the chilly soil. They are 

 responsible for the great rich buds or the wee 

 baby blooms, and this is why the roots should 

 be carefully and properly planted — spread out 

 as I have said at right angles — and why good, 

 dry soil should be firmly pressed over them. So, 

 regardless of how fine the plants may have been, 

 unless they have been properly planted you can 

 not expect them to give you of their best. You 

 recognize, I am sure, that what we require of the 



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