206 
THE FLORIST’S JOURNAL. 
close as before ; observing to pinch off all flower buds that may 
be produced in the previous summer ; the plants after being 
pruned are top-dressed, and about the beginning of November 
I place them in a cold frame plunging them as before, and as 
the winter advances and the cold increases, I sometimes throw 
a mat over the lights of the frame when a very cold night is 
expected. By the middle of January I usually place half my rose 
plants in the little stove before mentioned, (for so I dignify it,) 
as soon as I get them in I water the whole of them with strong 
lime water, to remove the worms which may be in the pots, for 
I find if these are allowed to remain they are very injurious as 
well as unsightly ; the plants are then frequently syringed, and 
water given as they seem to require it. It is not long before the 
foliage appears, when I increase the syringing ; this is very 
beneficial as it keeps them clean and prevents the lodgment of 
insects : the water used is always of the temperature of the house, 
the heat of which when the plants are first introduced is about 
50°, and as their growth advances, I endeavour to raise to 60° 
in which I usually bloom them. At the time the buds are forming 
they require to be constantly examined to detect that detestable 
destroyer “ the worm i’ the bud,” which if not destroyed will 
speedily frustrate the cultivator’s hopes ; there is no way of pre¬ 
venting their ravages that I am acquainted with, but by constant 
watching to pick them out. As the flowers on the plants begin 
to expand they should be supported with sticks, and air admitted 
to the house on every favorable opportunity ; the syringing I 
continue up to this time, but it cannot be applied after, as the 
blooms would be spoiled by the water; when fully blown they 
are beautiful ornaments of the drawing-room, and in a cool 
situation continue good a long time ; when completely over, if 
the plants are required again I remove them to a sheltered part 
of the garden, or a cold frame if I have room, but more often 
throw them away entirely, as I greatly prefer new plants ; and 
for this reason pot as many as I think I shall require annually ; 
if they are forced a second time they require two years to recover 
strength sufficient. These are the principal outlines of the 
method I employ, and with them am generally successful. 
F. W. C. Fletcher. 
