FORCING ROSES. 
197 
when about to be subject to the influence of artificial heat; and, 
as rose-buds are among the most esteemed of floral productions 
in early spring, a few brief hints regarding the more prominent 
features of the management proper to attain them, may be of 
service at the present season. It is always desirable to have 
plants which have been one whole year in pots to commence 
with; but, if such are not at command, let a sufficient number 
of the small, young, and healthy, be selected from the borders 
directly ; and, after rejecting such as are not well furnished with 
roots, pot the remainder without loss of time. 
It is not generally known that the stronger suckers from such 
as the common moss and Provence roses may be separated and 
forced in four-inch pots. They, however, form very nice little 
specimens, and, if well managed, throw from two to four flowers 
each. Of course it is advisable to select only such as are well- 
rooted, if to be forced the same season ; but the weaker ones 
may be potted at the same time, and will make excellent subjects 
for the next year’s operations. 
Roses, when grown in pots, require very good soil. Under 
any circumstances this is necessary, but still more when they are 
to be subject to the enervation of forcing. Turfy loam and 
thoroughly rotten manure, in the proportions of two and one, 
together with a little sharp sand, make an excellent compost, 
and the pots, being well drained, the plants may be put into 
such a mixture without reducing the branches for the present, or 
indulging in any pruning, except the removal of a lacerated root 
appears to be required. For six weeks or two months they 
should stand out of doors, in a warm part of the garden, the 
object being to properly ripen the branches; and when this is 
completed, which will be by the middle of October, they may be 
cut down in the usual way and taken into a cold pit or frame. 
A month’s preparation here, by the aid of a slightly raised tem¬ 
perature, consequent on keeping the lights closed, will induce 
the buds to swell, and then a gentle application of heat will 
enable them to burst and commence growing with the desired 
vigour. It is an essential point in forcing roses, even where 
thoroughly established plants are employed, to avoid any sudden 
changes of temperature ; and, as we are speaking of such as were 
potted only in the preceding autumn, especial care must be 
