ROSE DEPARTMENT 
The Rose is a specialty with us and we propagate it on a most extensive scale. 
We annually import all new varieties of apparent merit and carefully test them, retaining only such 
kinds as prove meritorious, and the same course is pursued with regard to novelties originated in this 
country, so that our collection embraces the best. 
We endeavor, in our Catalogue, to present the merits of each variety fairly and faithfully, being 
cautious not to overpraise, preferring to say too little rather than too much. Recognizing the importance 
of robust, healthy habit, hardiness and freedom of bloom, combined with beauty of flower, we propagate 
largely varieties possessing these characteristics, and most strongly and confidently recommend such 
kinds for general planting; and we also give due attention to those choice and beautiful varieties which are 
less vigorous or robust, and which therefore require extra care to be grown to perfection. In the hands of 
the rose lover these moderate growers receive the attention they justly deserve, and amply repay the skill 
and care bestowed upon them. 
Our immense stock and great variety of hardy roses enable us to furnish assortments adapted to various 
purposes, and intending purchasers are invited to examine our lists, and whenever we can be of any assist¬ 
ance in making selections our services will be cheerfully given. 
MANETTI STOCK 
We propagate roses principally by budding them low on the Manetti. We find many varieties of 
roses grown on this stock adapt themselves to a greater range of climate and soil, bloom more profusely, 
endure better the heat of the summer, and make far stronger plants than if grown on their own roots. 
Many object to budded roses on account of the suckers they sometimes throw out; but if proper attention 
is paid to the planting, this will rarely be an annoyance. 
Budded roses should he planted sufficiently deep, so that the junction of the hud until the stock is from two 
to three inches below the surface of the earth. We cannot too forcibly direct attention to the above rule. 
BRIEF DIRECTIONS FOR PLANTING, ETC. 
When to Plant.—If the situation be not too much exposed where the roses are to be set out, we pre¬ 
fer fall planting for all hardy kinds. Dormant plants set out in the spring should be planted early, for 
no plant suffers more from being set out late than the rose. The plants should be put in friable, rich soil, 
and firmly pressed in with the foot, taking care not to bruise the roots. 
Pruning.—This operation is best performed during March. Most roses do better if moderately pruned; 
some sorts require two-thirds of the past year’s growth removed; for others, to remove one-half or one-third 
is sufficient. A ll must he more or less pi'uned when planted ; do not neglect this. As a general rule, the more 
vigorous the variety the less it should be pruned. All weak or decayed wood should be entirely cut out, 
and also any shoots that crowd the plant, and prevent free entrance of light and air. Besides spring 
pruning, many kinds of Hybrid Perpetuals require to be pruned as soon as their first blossoming is over, in 
order to induce a free display of flowers in autumn. 
Protection.—All roses would be better for a light covering. This may be done by hilling up with 
earth; or better, by strewing leaves or straw lightly over the plants and securing them with evergreen 
branches; oftentimes the latter are in themselves sufficient. 
Insects.—If proper attention is paid to soil, planting, watering, etc., and a few simple directions 
heeded, you will not often be greatly troubled. The Aphis is among the most annoying foes, and particu¬ 
larly infests plants in houses; healthy plants in the garden are but little liable to its attacks. There are 
numerous recipes for its destruction, and the cultivator can use those which are most convenient and 
efficacious. 
