APRIL. 
81 
A HINT ON ROSE-GROWING. 
A great amount of valuable information on Rose-growing lias been given in 
the pages of tbe Florist, but there is one point that is not so generally insisted 
on as it ought to be, which I think very necessary to success, and on which I 
beg to offer a few remarks—namely, the selection of a proper situation. We 
oftentimes see Roses planted in all kinds of situations but the proper one, and in 
consequence we almost daily hear complaints about Roses not growing well. 
Some blame the soil, others the stocks they are worked on, and so on. 
The situation proper for Roses is an open one—that is, the plot of ground set 
apart for their growth should be of such a size that there ought not to be anything 
so close to it as in the least degree to prevent the free circulation of the air; yet 
it should on no account be an exposed situation, but, on the contrary, well 
sheltered, as nothing is so injurious to Roses as exposure to sweeping winds. 
Whatever means are adopted for furnishing shelter—whether walls or shrubs— 
they should be at such a distance as not in the least to impede the free circulation 
of the air. If the shelter break off a little of the noonday sun it will be an 
advantage. Most kinds of Roses delight in a rich moist soil, but this will not 
always produce fine flowers if the situation be exposed to sweeping winds and to 
the noonday sun. When Roses are grown in a sheltered situation as above 
described, and have a suitable soil, they make strong vigorous shoots, are much 
less subject to the attacks of insects, and produce much finer blooms than Roses, 
grown in exposed situations, no matter how good the soil may be. Indeed, the 
same kinds of Roses when grown in the different situations are oftentimes so 
unlike that it would puzzle a good judge to discover their identity. 
I have for a number of years noticed the great difference in the same kind of 
Roses when grown in different situations. Last year the difference was very 
remarkable, owing to the long continuance of dry weather. Roses in exposed 
situations only made weak small shoots, were covered with filth, and in con¬ 
sequence only produced poor blooms, whilst the same kinds of Roses in sheltered 
and somewhat shady situations made good wood and produced splendid flowers. 
The soil in a sheltered and rather shaded situation retains the moisture for a 
much longer period than in exposed places. This is a great advantage at all 
times, but more particularly so in a season like the last. I prefer myself a 
sheltered and somewhat shaded situation with even a poor soil to an exposed 
situation with the best soil. 
I am certain, if this matter was attended to more generally than it is, we 
should not hear so many complaints about Roses not doing well. 
M. Saul. 
THE RENOVATION OF OLD FRUIT TREES. 
* 
For some time past I have been thinking of a really useful thesis on which 
to write a theme for the Florist and Pomologist. In the course of my 
ruminations there has not appeared to me one on which I could fix with 
greater propriety than the one which I have chosen. I think it likely to be 
of benefit, too, to the amateur class of gardeners, for the advantage of whom 
this work is largely intended. 
There are few amateurs who really love a garden who have not under their 
care, amongst other objects, a fine fruit tree, or perhaps many of them. This 
or these receive from them the most attentive care: thev are fed with the 
•> 
richest food, and the pruning-knife does its part. For years past the palate 
of our friend has been on the qui vive, dimly expecting to realise the expect¬ 
ations formed of this delicious and melting fruit, which, when obtained, is 
unsurpassable; but the question is, How are we to get it ? 
Nothing can exceed the beauty, harmony, and design which reign 
throughout all Nature’s works, and a wise and beneficent Providence has most 
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