200 



THE BOOK OF THE ROSE 



CHAP. 



won first prize. Much rain had fallen in the two days, 

 and freshly cut Teas were spoiled. 



In the hot season of 1893, I cut a bloom of Marie 

 van Houtte on the Monday and showed it well in my 

 winning stand at the Crystal Palace on the Saturday. 

 It was kept for three days in a dark and nearly air- 

 tight cellar, and for two days more in another cellar 

 with a little light. A few drops of spirit of camphor 

 were added to the water in which it stood, but I am 

 doubtful if this has much good effect. I think the 

 equable temperature of a dry cellar has a good effect in 

 preserving the blooms, but they will probably lose 

 colour. 



If rain is feared, and efficient protection is not to be 

 had, the Teas should be cut in good time, even though 

 the buds be hardly opened enough. It may be noticed 

 that Marechal Niel improves in colour after being cut 

 and a really fine bloom may often be better the second 

 or even the third day, if it be dry when gathered. 



If the boxes remain at home during the night, it is 

 best, especially if the Roses are not dry, to give some 

 air by propping up the lids a little way, so as to 

 exclude chance trespassers in the way of cats and the 

 like. Still this admits of the entry of slugs or earwigs, and 

 as we should think little of keeping the boxes entirely 

 closed through a night's journey, it is not necessary. 

 The lids should be securely fastened Avhen they are 

 shut down for travelling, care having been taken that 

 the Roses are sufficiently low in the tubes to prevent the 

 roofs of the lids touching them, but only those perfect 

 persons, who never even in a hurry leave their keys at 

 home, should use locks. 



Kailway porters are now becoming used to the sight 

 of Rose-boxes, and recognise that " something belongs 



