SOIL, SITUATIOJJ", AND PLANTIXG. 



87 



of six inches with small stones, and then replace the earth, 

 well fertilized, as directed above. Nothing is more in- 

 jurious to the Rose than a wet, retentive subsoil ; and 

 where expense and trouble are no object, this perfect 

 draining is much the best calculated to ensure a thrifty 

 growth and perfect bloom. A rich and dry soil is, in fact, 

 all-important ; for otherAvise the most double flower will 

 frequently become single or semi-double. We have seen 

 a j^lant of La Reine produce a perfect flower in the green- 

 house, and when removed to an inferior soil, produce 

 flowers almost single. It may therefore be safely laid 

 down as a rule, that it is impossible to make the soil too 

 rich for the Rose, and that in proportion to tlie fertilizing 

 matter contained therein, provided it is properly decom- 

 posed, Avill be the approximation of the plant and the 

 flower to perfection. The fertility of the soil may be very 

 much assisted by frequent applications of liquid manure, 

 made either of cow dung or guano ; the former is always 

 safe ; the latter, valuable if properly used, may, in the 

 hands of a careless person, ruin the plant. 



In these remarks on fertility of soil, we have no desire 

 to discourage those who may not have a fertile soil, or the 

 means of obtaining the elements of fertility. The Rose 

 will grow and bloom in any soil; the wood will be 

 healthy, but short and small; the flower will be produced, 

 but, as we have said before, will be smaller and often semi- 

 double ; yet even under these disadvantages, it is still the 

 most desirable flower for the poor man ; none other can 

 so cheaply and so well ornament his small yard, or hang- 

 ing in graceful festoons about his windows, shed forth its 

 bloom and sweetness to enliven his hours of relief from 

 labor, and give his children happiness, from the associa- 

 tion of pleasant thought Avith natural beauty. But the 

 poor man has within his reach more than he supposes of 

 the elements of fertility. The ashes of his hearth, the 

 decomposed turf of the road-side, and the domestic ma- 



