208 
THE FLOKISTs 
own day, has it not been the reigning favourite of the poets ? But 
it is the practical rather than the poetical with which we have now 
to deal, and let us turn to the work in question. 
The Rose-Garden is arranged in two divisions, the first of which 
contains thirteen chapters on the history and cultivation of the Rose. 
The first chapter, which embraces the history of the Rose, is 
enlivened by quotations from the ancient and modern poets, and 
forms a pleasing introduction to the sterner and more practical parts 
of the subject. Then follow remarks on “ Locality and the improve¬ 
ment of soils,” which are thus introduced : 
“ If we were called upon to select a spot as best suited for the cultivation of 
Roses, we should seek one at a distance from large towns, that we might secure 
the advantages of a pure air. It should lie open to the South, and be so far 
removed from trees of every description that their roots could not reach the 
soil of our Rose-beds, or their tops overpower us with shade, and prevent a free 
circulation of air. If, in addition to this, we could choose our soil, that pre¬ 
ferred would be a strong loam ; if rich, so much the better; if poor, we would 
enrich it by the addition of manures. It is generally known that the Dog-Rose 
delights in a stiff holding soil ; and it is on the Dog-Rose that the choice garden 
varieties are usually budded. We do not intend by this to recommend soils 
commonly termed clayey, for in such there is often too great a deficiency of 
vegetable substances. Lighter soils, too, are found better suited for such kinds 
as thrive best grown on their own roots ; but this may be managed by the addi¬ 
tion of a little light turfy loam, peat, or leaf-mould at the time of planting. An 
open, airy situation, and a stiff loamy soil, are, we say, what we should prefer 
were our choice of locality and soil unlimited. With these at our command, we 
should expect to carry Rose-culture to perfection.’’ 
But as comparatively few can choose both soil and position, it is 
encouraging to amateurs least favourably situated to learn, that 
“ An unfavourable locality or soil should never deter the lover of Roses from 
entering upon their cultivation ; for such is the diversity of character of the 
varieties belonging to the genus, that some may be found suited to or capable of 
flourishing in the least desirable localities; and the soil may be improved or dug 
out, and the beds refilled with prepared soil. For the encouragement of those 
whose situation may be decidedly unfavourable, it may be stated that a great 
part of the Roses grown at this establishment (Cheshunt) are sent into the neigh¬ 
bourhood of London and the large manufacturing towns in England and Scot¬ 
land. And it is pleasing to see, in their perfect production there, how far the 
art of culture can be brought to triumph over circumstances. In such situations 
the practice which seems to have been attended with the most marked success, 
is that of syringing the plants frequently with clean water, which frees the leaves 
of the impurities which settle on them.” 
In the chapter “ On the Formation of the Rosarium” are plans of 
the Jardin du Luxembourg at Paris, of the Rosarium at Broxbourne- 
bury, and two original and pretty designs by Messrs. Major and 
Sons, of Knosthorpe. Passing on to Chapter V., we come to the 
important subject of Pruning, which is handled in a masterly manner, 
and illustrated by no less than fifteen engravings. It is treated of 
under four principal heads—1. Long Pruning; 2. Close Pruning; 
3. Pruning as applied to Pillar Roses ; and 4. as applied to Weeping 
Roses. 
Of long pruning it is said-— 
“ If we remove many shoots from a strong-growing Rose, or shorten the 
shoots in very closely, the result, as previously stated, will be a vigorous growth 
