The Horticulturist, and Journal of rural art and rural taste Volume 27 - Softcover

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1872 edition. Excerpt: ...dig the hole large enough to spread out the roots to their full extent, dig up and loosen the bottom and, if necessary, add enriching matter; set the rose in place and fill in thé rich soil, working it in around the roots with the fingers and hand. When the plant is finally adjusted, the upper roots should be close to the top of the ground; be sure the roots are all fixed steady and solid, with the soil in close contact. Pruning.--Spring is the time for pruning, and the only time, in cool climates. The aim iu pruning should be to compensate for the loss of roots, aid in forming the bush, reduce superfluous wood, and to induce profuse blooming. It is difficult to give arbitrary rules to be adopted under all circumstances, but for general, annual pruning, the old wood and weak growths of the last year should be cut out. Young strong wood produces the finest, most perfect flowers. In pruning climbing roses, cut out all shoots not likely to furnish blossoms, and retain the whole length of young vigorous shoots. Aim to give a wide spreading top in pruning; if properly pruned it will spread annually, by degrees.--Maryland Farmer. Horticultural Notes. Ammonia and Flower. Farmers and chemists are well aware of the beneficial effects of ammonia on all kinds of vegetation. If you desire your roses, geraniums, fuchsias, etc., to become more flourishing, you can try it upon them, by adding five or six drops of aqua ammonia to every pint of warm water that you give them; but don't repeat the dose oftener than once in every five or six days, lest you stimulate them too highly. Rain water is impregnated with ammonia, and thus it refreshes and vivifies all vegetable life. Ammonia is soluble in soft water, and a little of it may be dissolved in the water you...