POTTING AND FORCING. 



103 



lect one, the roots of which are not too large, and with a 

 sharp spade cut around it a ball of earth about the size 

 of the pot, depriving it at the same time of a portion of 

 its top, as directed in remarks on pruning. It should 

 stand in this state about a fortnight, until the roots have 

 "become callused, and the plant is somewhat accustomed 

 to the loss of its roots and branches. It can then be 

 safely taken up at any season, and transferred to the pot, 

 which should then be filled in with earth, firm and solid. 

 If potted in the autumn, after the leaves have fallen and 

 the wood become mature, the above previous preparation 

 is not required, but the plant can be taken up without a 

 ball of earth, and after being pruned of its bruised or 

 broken roots, placed in the pot. It should then be pro- 

 tected from the frost and light until it has entirely recov- 

 ered from its change of habitation, Avhen it can be placed 

 in any cool spot free from frost, until it is wanted for 

 forcino^. 



Roses may, without difiiculty, by the above previous 

 management, be forced to bloom in the latter part of Avin- 

 ter, but where their bloom is desired at Christmas or 

 New-Year, they should be gradually prepared for the 

 space of a year previous. To produce roses the latter 

 part of winter, our own management has been simple and 

 effective, giving us as many flowers as a green-house and 

 vinery full of pots could aff"ord. After putting the plants 

 in pots, as directed above, pruning them down to eight 

 or ten buds, and hardening them in a shady place, they 

 are removed to the vinery before the frost out of doors can 

 have injured them, and cut down to two buds. The 

 house is then kept as cool as possible, while the frost is 

 carefully excluded by a light fire at night, and on fine 

 days the sashes are opened, and plenty of air admitted. 

 They are thus kept in a dormant state until the first of 

 the year, when the heat is gradually increased to about 

 70° by day, sinking as low as 35° at night. Care is 



