them you need not expect that they will give you 

 fine flowers. I assume that just as soon as the 

 leaves commenced to form the surface of the beds 

 has been given a good scuffling, which should be 

 followed by a feeding of the rose-food, that is 

 ten parts of pulverized sheep manure, three parts 

 of flour of bone and one part of Scotch soot; 

 then no further food or stimulant should be 

 given the TQ for a month. But, I repeat, it is necessary 

 that the surface of the bed be kept well powdered, 

 say to a depth of two or three inches. This is 

 essential and I hope you will see that it is done. 

 When the buds show a bit of color another liberal 

 feeding of the rose-food should be given and 

 followed by the cultivation I have recommended. 

 Once every month give eferi? rose bush a tea- 

 spoonful of sulphate of iron, working it in thor- 

 oughly around the base of the plant. If you do 

 this you will have abundant and beautiful blooms 

 to cut. Please do not fail to provide generous 

 feeding for these generous bloomers, and please 

 see that they get it — the dear things. 



21 



