226 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



In August or early September, when the buds are being 

 " taken," is a good time to assist the plants, as the pots should 

 then be full of roots, and a top-dressing greatly assists in develop- 

 ing the buds. At the final potting sufficient room is left for this 

 purpose, and pieces of turfy loam are generally packed level with, 

 and sometimes above, the rim of the pot. I now find it better to 

 do the top-dressing gradually, or at three different times. For 

 this purpose I use the siftings of good, new loam of rather a 

 heavy nature, adding to each barrowful half the quantity of 

 sheep or deer manure, and thoroughly mixing some time before 

 the compost is wanted for use. At the first dressing about one 

 inch will be sufficient, gently pressed down and watered with a 

 rose-can. It is surprising how greedily young roots take posses- 

 sion of this healthy feeding material. 



Where time is precious and labour scarce, but where, never- 

 theless, a great demand exists for ordinary cut blooms, cuttings 

 may be inserted in February, and when the plants are well 

 established (about April), plant them outside in a sunny posi- 

 tion, but not exposed to high winds. They should be planted 

 firmly in not too rich soil. With the exception of pinching once 

 or twice, little attention is needed. These plants may be lifted 

 in the autumn and placed closely together on the Vine or Peach 

 borders, working in a little soil to protect the roots. Hundreds 

 of such plants can be put into a small compass, and barrowsful 

 of blossoms can be gathered therefrom. I find Madame 

 Desgrange (both white [and yellow) grown in this way, and 

 lifted about the middle of August, are most useful for general 

 purposes, especially for supplying a great demand for harvest 

 thanksgivings and other such-like occasions. There is much to 

 recommend this rough-and-ready way of culture, as no pots are 

 required, and little or no attention during the summer. The old 

 plants can be destroyed as soon as the blossoms are taken, while 

 the beauty of those grown in pots is not destroyed by being 

 repeatedly cut from. 



In conclusion I may give a few words of caution : — 



Never "coddle " the plant at any season of its growth, 

 as this induces weakness and insect pests. 



Do not attempt to grow more plants than can be properly 

 attended to. 



Never allow the plants to become dry at any time, 



