332 



THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



demand for bridesmaids' bouquets ; those are all profitable varieties. Marechal Niel is still 

 the favourite yellow, though climbing Perle des Jardins is a strong rival. W. Allen 

 Bichardson is the favourite coppery yellow. The last three are suitable for roof-culture, 

 and to them may bo added Lamarque, creamy white. Prices of cut roses vary from Is. to 

 3s. per dozen, according to circumstances. 



Full instructions as to propagation were given earlier in this work (page 166, et scq., 

 Vol. I.), but so cheaply can dwarf plants be bought that few market-growers attempt to 

 raise their own stock. Strong young bushes, worked low, from the open ground, give 

 better returns the first season than do the majority of small plants bought in pots. Excep- 

 tions to this rule may be made in favour of Marechal Niel and Lamarque. The autumn, 

 or as soon as roses can safely be lifted, is the time to buy them, the potting taking place 

 at once. All should have their roots trimmed and tops shortened, not severely 

 pruned, when placing the plants in pots, the sizes employed varying from 6 inch to 

 8 inches in diameter. They should be well drained and the potting done firmly, sinking 

 the stems rather deeply, in rich loamy soil. Arrange the plants in beds, surrounding 

 the pots with either ashes or strawy manure, and, thus treated, root action will 

 commence before wintry weather sets in. The teas and noisettes not being perfectly 

 hardy, may well be protected from severe frost by means of litter scattered over them 

 and between the pots. 



Early in the year all the teas and hybrid teas should be rather severely pruned, 

 after cutting entirely out the spray-like stems. The plants may then be started into 

 growth in a light position where they are not exposed to currents of cold air at any 

 time, as this brings on an attack of mildew. Eaised, ash-covered benches suit them 

 admirably. Commence with a temperature 45° to 50°, and maintain a fairly moist 

 atmosphere. When the buds are showing, increase the temperature to 50° at night, 

 55° by day, rising another 5° or more in bright weather. As the days lengthen 

 the temperature may be increased another 5° all round, and when it is necessary to 

 ventilate, open the top lights only, closing early and syringing at the same time. Cut 

 the blooms with a long stem, as this adds to their value from a buyer's point of view, 

 and the successional growths flower all the better for this pruning. If kept well 

 supplied with water and liquid manure, also free from green fly and mildew, tea roses 

 will continue to produce blooms as long as there is a sale for them, when the plants 

 should be rested in pits or in the open, giving them a shift into larger pots in July or 

 August, pruning and commencing forcing again in October or earlier. La France and 



