F 



oy & f cyfoA c^t^n A( "n^ we have made Rose §rowin ^ a s P e ~ 



*}C ^ cialty. We are the pioneers in this 



" ' ' T j present great industry, and since the 



time we first sent Roses by Mail, up to the season of 1898, we have 

 grown and shipped to all quarters of the globe many million plants. In 

 the most unlikely places, in our most distant States, and even in many 

 foreign countries; in the magnificent and well-appointed gardens of the 

 rich, and in the more numerous homes of the poor, where they are 

 undoubtedly more fondly cherished, the D. & C. Roses have been and are 

 flourishing to-day. It is the intention to give in this article a brief epitome 

 of their culture for the benefit of amateur cultivators. By following the 

 hints here given there is no reason why the most inexperienced should 

 not succeed in growing Roses to perfection. 



How to Proceed 



The first and primary con- 

 sideration is to buy good 

 plants, for no matter how careful and attentive 

 one may be, good results cannot come from poor 

 stock. Buy your stock from a reliable florist, and 

 beware of him who would give you something 

 for nothing. 



Outdoor Cultiva- 

 tion of Roses 



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Roses may be grown to 

 perfection in ordinary 

 garden soil. Select, if 

 possible, the most shel- 

 tered sunny location for planting, avoiding the 

 close proximity of large trees, whose dense foliage 

 and extending roots absorb all the life-sustaining 

 nutrition of the soil; young trees and dwarf 

 shrubbery will not be hurtful. 



Preparation 

 of Soil 



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Should the soil you have at dis- 

 posal be naturally poor, it may 

 be made fertile by substituting 

 a quantity of loam, which can 

 readily be obtained under the sod by the roadside 

 or from the fields. To still further enrich the 

 soil, and where it is accessible, add to each wheel- 

 barrow load of loam about one-third its bulk of 

 well-rotted stable manure, also some sand, if there 

 be a lack of this constituent. Spade to a depth 

 of twelve inches, thoroughly mixing and mellow- 

 ing, and having proceeded thus far, we have 

 made a substantial foundation for future good 

 results. 



Unpacking 

 Plants 



Fertilisers.. I Fine, well-decomposed stable 



^-i manure is the best 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 as are free from acids 

 should be used. Manure applied in the Fall will 

 serve as a partial protection over Winter ; if in 

 the Spring, it will be beneficial as a mulch. 



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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 sun, set 

 them upright, admitting the free circulation of 

 air, and water freely from time to time. A slight 

 covering of soil around the roots will be benefi- 

 cial. Should they have a withered appearance, 

 caused by an unusual delay in transit (which sel- 

 dom occurs), soak them in lukewarm water for an 

 hour or so before olanting to restore their vitality. 



Planting" I The ^ est t ^ me to P* an t is during 



s ! the Spring or early Summer 



months. Those who wish to plant early should 

 observe the homely rule of waiting until after 

 corn-planting time. If you are so situated that 

 you have no means of telling when that time 

 arrives, we would advise that planting in open 

 ground be deferred until all danger of frost is 

 past. Having prepared the ground, set the plants 

 about twelve inches apart. Do not hesitate to 

 place the roots well below the surface of the soil. 



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