MARKET PLANTS.— PRIMULAS— ROSES. 



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larger double forms, white or coloured, as they are neither easy to increase nor so 

 constantly florifcrous as the a old double white " (Fig. 100). Strong plants of this, after 

 flowering, can be propagated by division in March or April ; those portions with roots 

 attached being placed singly in pots just largo enough to hold them, and kept in gentle 

 heat till well established, when the plants may receive a shift, and soon after be moved 

 to shallow pits or frames. The unrooted divisions should be placed singly in small pots, 

 not burying the hearts, and, if not over-watered, roots will be emitted in a close, warm 

 frame. When rooted, expose the plants to more light and air, and re-pot as advised 

 for the seedlings. Another good method of raising plants is as follows : After flowering 

 is practically over, remove the leaves from the lower part of the stems, and pack moss 

 tightly about them. If placed in a cool frame, and kept close and moist for about three 

 weeks, roots will bo formed on all the stems, when the rooted portions should be 

 separated and established in pots. All through the winter the plants of double white 

 primulas ought to be arranged on light stages, or shelves, by themselves in a warm 

 greenhouse, in which a rather dry atmosphere is maintained. 



Pkimula obconica. — This is among the most floriferous and easily-grown winter- 

 flowering plants we have, though it affects the skins of some people with which the 

 leaves come into contact. A limited number of plants can be sold at the prices given 

 for Chinese primulas, and cut flowers sell locally at 6d. per dozen. The plants can be 

 easily raised from seed, sowing rather earlier than advised for the other kinds, but in 

 other respects treating them much the same. They may also be increased by division of 

 old plants, but seedlings are the more robust, and produce the finer trusses of flowers. 



ROSES. 



There can be no two opinions regarding the popularity of roses, but market-growers 

 make a mistake when they start growing a considerable number of varieties under glass. 

 The number of sorts that really pay to force are surprisingly few. The popular colours 

 are crimson, red, white, pink, yellow, and bronze, intermediate shades not "taking" so 

 well. Only a few hybrid perpetuals are extensively forced, and the most profitable 

 of these are General Jacqueminot, crimson ; and Mrs. John Laing, pink ; La France, 

 silvery rose ; and Meteor, red. Hybrid Teas are profitable, owing to their continuous 

 flowering habit. The whito most extensively grown is the old tea-scented Niphetos ; 

 another Tea, the Bride, produces more perfect blooms, but fewer in number. Papa 

 Gontier, Catherine Mermet, Maman Cochet, and Bridesmaid, are pink teas in great 



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