ROSE-GROWING NEAR LARGE TOWNS. 



1071 



among the hybrid teas, the hardier of the teas, and the China and hybrid 

 classes. 



^Ye pass on to the planting of the Roses selected, but first let me 

 add a word of caution. Do not purchase Roses by auction at sale- 

 rooms. It is foolish. The craze of cheapness is at the bottom of it, no 

 doubt ; but Roses that have been dragged up, kept sometimes a week out 

 of the soil, their roots damaged and open to and unprotected from 

 all the four winds of heaven, how can they be expected to do well ? But 

 they are expected, and if they behave in a manner contrary to the expecta- 

 tions Rose-growing is given up. No ; go to a good nurseryman — there are 

 plenty of them, and the Rose is now grown in such quantities that it has 

 found its fair market price. Get the best article, and you will get the best 

 results. 



A few words as to the planting. This should be done as early as 

 possible in November. The distance between your plants will depend 

 somewhat on the growth of the variety, but I am an advocate of close 

 planting. "When I look at a bed of Roses, I like to see Roses and not soil 

 in between each plant. Eighteen inches between each plant is ample for 

 dwarfs, and about two feet six inches to three feet for standards. I always 

 mark the position of each Rose before I plant it. 



During the process of planting keep all cold winds or sun away from 

 the roots by means of straw or matting. The hole for the reception of the 

 roots should not be less than twelve inches square, sometimes it should 

 be more. I dip the roots in tepid water immediately before planting and, 

 with my left hand holding the plant, separate the roots and spread 

 them out evenly ; cover them with some fine soil, taking care that 

 the point of junction between the stock and the Rose is not more than an 

 inch below the surface of the bed. Then cover with more soil and 

 manure, again taking care none of the latter comes into contact with the 

 roots ; and tread down well. It is difficult to plant too firmly. A 

 good mulch of rotten manure will follow, and your work is com- 

 plete. So much for planting dwarfs ; for standards the procedure is 

 similar, except that they must be staked and the roots kept nearer the 

 surface. 



I believe in earthing up all dwarfs for winter protection. This in the 

 case of beds must not be done with the soil of the beds, or else the roots 

 will suffer. I use road sweepings, obtained at a cost of Is. a load, with a 

 gift to the carter thrown in. 



In a paper of this character it is impossible to touch upon the question 

 of pruning. It is important, no doubt — of far greater importance than 

 is usually supposed. I have visions of standards trimmed up. like the 

 privet, with shears ! 



One or two hints peculiar to the subject and I have done. In my own 

 garden we are troubled with the soots and dirty deposits of the atmo- 

 sphere, and I am sure it is a mistake to allow these to accumulate, especially 

 in the growing season of the year ; so every morning I go round my Rose 

 trees with a sprayer and thoroughly spray the tops of every tree. A 

 couple of pailfuls of water is sufficient for 250 Roses, so it is not so long 

 a job or so tiresome as many might suppose. If once or twice a week in 

 May some " Abol " or quassia-solution insecticide is added to the water, 



