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THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



removal, with the result that the central bud enlarges as in b, and under good manage- 

 ment develops into an exhibition rose. Some of our roses would never produce the 

 grand blooms staged by successful exhibitors unless well thinned : Madame de Watteville 

 and Madame Cusin are good examples of this ; but it is even more necessary to keep 

 the whole plant healthy and free from insect foes. Any special class of soil is not of so 

 much importance as giving careful attention to cleanliness, thinning, feeding, and high 

 cultural details generally for attaining the object in view. 



Exhibiting. 



It is most essential that all the necessary boxes, tubes, wire, names, and other items 

 be provided well in advance of the show day. Cutting and arranging the blossoms 

 have to be quickly done, and nothing should be lacking to impede the work. The 

 boxes ought to be as light as possible, consistent with the strength that is so necessary 

 in these days of hasty travel. A deep sea-green has been found the most suitable 

 colour for them. All the boxes should be 18 inches wide and 4 inches deep in front, 

 their length being regulated according to the number of blooms. A handy length for 

 twelve blooms is 20 inches. If more varieties, two of those boxes will represent 

 twenty-four, three of them thirty-six varieties, and so on. Do not have those cumber- 

 some boxes, now and again met with, and carrying thirty-six blooms. The easier to 

 handle the boxes are the safer will the blooms travel and lend themselves to ready 

 staging. 



Another old-fashioned way was to have the boxes higher at the back than in front, 

 presumably that the back row of roses might stand up more prominently. As this 

 shape necessitated a proportionately low lid at the very point where the opposite was 

 needed, it is little wonder the finest roses often came to grief. Let the lid and box 

 be of the same depth all round ; 8 inches is a good depth for the lid, which should 

 consist of match-board well tongued together, or dust and wet will often fall through 

 upon the roses during travel. Two strong sliding hinges are needed at the back, and 

 pieces of wood in each corner of the bottom part ; if these are allowed to rise an inch or 

 so above the top, they will give much additional strength, and can be hidden by moss 

 when the roses are staged. Strong swivel handles at each end, and of a form that will 

 allow of their falling into a slight recess when not in use, will not only last longer but 

 allow the boxes to be placed closer together when upon the stage. There is another great 

 advantage in these handles : they are not so liable to be damaged when travelling. 



