THE DINGEE & CONARD CO., WEST GROVE, PA. 



Unpacking Plants 



When the plants are received, if for any reason it is 

 desired to defer immediate planting, place the plants in 

 the cellar or any moderately warm place, protect from the 

 sun, set them upright, admiting the free circulation of air, 

 and water freely from time to time. A slight covering of 

 soil around the roots will be beneficial. Soak tne roots 

 in lukewarm water or thin mud for an hour or so before 

 planting, to restore their vitality. 



Fertilizers 



F"ine well-decomposed stable manure is the best fertilizer 

 for general purposes. If this cannot be obtained fine 

 ground bone or commercial fertilizers may be employed, 

 but they should be applied conservatively, for if used too 

 freely they are likely to injure the plants. None but such 

 fertilizers that are free from acids should be used. Manure 

 applied in the fall will serve as a partial protection over 

 winter and in the spring it will be beneficial as a mulch. 



Pruning 



The different varieties of Roses differ very much in 

 habit of growth; many are neat and compact, requiring 

 little or no trimming, while others of the same class are 

 vigorous and straggling, sending out long shoots which 

 tend to outrun the limits assigned them. Pruning, there- 

 fore, is a matter to be governed by the judgment of the 

 possessor of the plants. We will add, however, that 

 plants of persistent growth should be trimmed 

 back each fall or in early spring about one-half to 

 two-thirds of the season's growth. Where plants, 

 apparently healthy, fail to mature the buds which they 

 bear, remove a large percentage of the undeveloped buds 

 and imperfect blooms and prune severely. Also trim 

 back about one-third when, after planting, they shed their 

 leaves and exhibit signs of weakness ; this gives the roots 

 a chance to become vigorous. 



Roses in Pots or Boxes 



The conditions most favorable for growing Roses in 

 pots or boxes are good, rich soil, plenty of sunshine and 

 heat ranging from 50 degrees at night to 75 degrees during 

 the day. If Roses are purchased in the spring and sum- 

 mer for winter bloom, they can be planted in large-size 

 pots — one-year plants in pots whose inside diameter at 

 the top is four inches, two-year-old in six-inch pots. 

 Plunge the pots in open ground, in some partly shaded 

 place; cultivate and keep healthy during the summer; 

 water sparingly and pinch off" all buds as they appear 

 Upon the approach of cold weather take up the pots and 

 remove as much of the surface soil as can be done without 

 di.sturbing the roots, replacing with fresh soil. Bring into 

 a warm room and water freely. After the period of 

 bloom is over cut back and remove to a cool cellar; the 

 following spring they will grow with renewed energy, 

 either in open ground or in larger pots. 



Growing Roses for Cut Flowers 



In answer to those who contemplate taking up this 

 branch of Rose growing,' or, in fact, the growing of any 

 kind of cut flowers, we would recommend "Practical 



Floriculture," a thoroughly practical book, giving all the 

 information required pertaining to the culture of flowers 

 in general. We can furnish this book (300 pages) for 

 !S>l.oO postpaid. 



Insects and Insecticides 



Healthy, vigorous Roses are less liable to the ravages of 

 insects than weak specimens, which do not have the 

 vitality to resist the onslaughts of the pernicious para- 

 sites. Our Roses are singularly free from insects, owing 

 to their vigor, but should they become infested, a few 

 applications of a good insecticide will exterminate them 

 at the outset, after which very little or no trouble will be 

 experienced. The following recipes and preparations are 

 good. They should be applied both to the upper and 

 under surface of the foliage by means of a good sprinkler. 

 We can supply the "Tyrian Plant Sprinkler," "The Auto- 

 Spray" and "New Era Sprayer," at prices given elsewhere 

 in this book. All of these are inexpensive and very 

 satisfactory. 



KEROSENE EMULSION.— To two parts of kerosene 

 add one of slightly sour milk ; agitate until the compound 

 unites in the form of a white jelly; dilute with twenty 

 parts of soft water. 



TOBACCO SOLUTION.— Made by boiling the leaves 

 or stems of tobacco. The liquid should be made about 

 the strength of weak tea. 



TOBACCO INSECTICIDE SOAP This prepar- 

 ation is put up in cakes, with directions for use printed on 

 labels. It is a standard remedy, and one of the best. 

 Two sizes. Price, 13 cts. and 28 cts. each ; postpaid. 



Winter Protection 



As to the classes of Roses that are hardy and those that 

 are not hardy, this information is given in the introduction 

 of the individual classes. Where it is possible, we 

 would advise that the benefit of the doubt be given 

 by protecting all varieties, irrespective of the class, 

 for it will not be harmful to protect even the moss 

 or hybrid perpetual Kose. Do not cover your plants 

 too soon ; a nip of frost will not hurt them, but will help 

 to ripen and mature them. Such material as leaves, hay, 

 straw, light manure, street sweepings, pine or cedar 

 boughs, corn fodder, etc., will afford excellent protection. 

 Sufficient should be given to prevent the roots from 

 freezing, but considerable light and circulation of air 

 should not be excluded. In the spring wait until the. 

 weather is settled before uncovering ; then prune the 

 plants, taking care to cut off all dead or discolored wood. 



General Remarks 



Ail our Roses are grown here at our establishment 

 under our personal supervision under national conditions 

 in ordinary soil. Not fertilized or forced into quick 

 growth. We claim for them that they are the best grown 

 Roses in the world. All our plants are inspected from 

 time to time, and all inferior specimens rejected ; thus 

 none but the best are sent to our customers. Every one 

 ordering from us may depend upon getting plants true 

 to name in everj' instance. Should you desire prices of 

 fruit or shade trees please write us for this and any other 

 information wanted. All orders will be forwarded /j 

 soon as possible after their receipt unless wp"- 

 to hold Ihctn. 



