Explanatory and Advice to our Patrons. .*> 
plants and water thoroughly. Then keep them mulched 
until all danger of dr 3 *ing out is passed. This may also 
he accomplished by stirring the ground frequently so as 
to keep ir loose and mellow. 
The soil for Roses should be made deep and rich. 
They will quickly and generously repay all care bestowed 
in this respect. 
All Roses, unless their roots have been growiug iu 
pots, should be severely cut back as soon as planted. As 
to further pruning it is difficult to lay down rules that 
will prevent all mistakes, but, in a general way it may 
be said that Roses should be pruned early in the Spring 
before the sap starts, and if a second (lowering is desired 
from the Hybrid Remontant class the plants should be 
pruned again when the June blossoming is about over. 
In pruning, the weaker growing kinds should be cut 
back severely, while those of stronger growth should 
have the tops but slightly cut and the branches well 
thinned out. Do not attempt to grow too many varieties 
at the start; fifty plants of ten sorts make a much better 
display than the same number of plants of twenty-live 
varieties. Unless our customers know by actual obser¬ 
vation exactly wliac kinds they require, we would advise 
them to leave the selection to 11 s, letting us know in a 
general way about what proportion of reds, pinks, 
whites, etc., is wanted. In that ease we feel bound to 
send the very best in our collection and will agree to 
satisfy the most fastidious taste. 
All Boses , though they may he hardy, arc benefited by a 
slight covering of leaves or evergreen branches to protect 
them from the extreme cold of whiter. 
