THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



Felicity Perpetu^, Polyantha Grandiflora, Boule de Neige, Duke of Edinburgh, Mon- 

 sieur Boncenne, G(ineral Jacqueminot, Baronne de Eothschild, Fisher Holmes, Mrs. John 

 Laing, La France and Viscountess Folkestone, forming a good selection. 



For cutting from for home decoration, the varieties just named are excellent, but 

 the following six? others may be added : — Hon. Edith Gifford, Euga, Longworth 

 Eambler, Allister Stella Gray, William Allen Eichardson, and Anna Ollivier. 



PROPAGATION. 



The methods of increasing roses are numerous, and those adopted should depend 

 upon the purpose for which the future plants are intended; also whether it is desired 

 to increase existing varieties, or raise seedlings. Eoses may be grafted in several 

 forms, budded, obtained from suckers or partitions of the roots, and from cuttings. It 

 is also possible to propagate from matured eyes or buds in much the same way as is 

 practised with vines. 



Seed. — The seeds of roses may be sown as soon as ripe, but we prefer sowing early 

 in the year, say February, after the heps have been stored in dry sand for a few weeks. 

 Care must be taken that mice or birds do not eat them, either while in the sand or 

 when sown. Crush the heps between the fingers, and distribute the seeds among the 

 sand. Prepare a shallow pan or box of light loam, leaf-soil, and sand, in equal pro- 

 portions, well drained, and the surface made level and fairly firm. Now sow the sand 

 and seed together. A very slight covering of fine soil is all that is needed ; but, pre- 

 vious to sowing, be careful that the soil is fairly moist. 



A minute insect often attacks the seeds just as germination is completing, to avoid 

 which, and other insects, as well as seedling weeds, it is recommended that the pre- 

 pared pan of soil be immersed in very hot water an hour or so previous to sowing the 

 seed. Place a sheet of glass over the whole, and stand the pan or box in a cool and 

 moist corner of the greenhouse, or in a frame or pit. A slightly-heated greenhouse is 

 best. Some seeds will spring much earlier than others, and the sheet of glass should 

 not be hastily removed. As the seedlings appear allow more light and air, attending 

 carefully to watering. When large enough, and especially if they are coming up thickly, 

 lift out the most forward, and transplant into deeper boxes or pans. Placing three or 

 four around a 6-inch pot is a convenient and good plan. 



In early June they may be transplanted in a prepared border, in a sheltered 

 position, placing them about a foot apart each way. Some will flower the first year. 



