“Not when he could hear me,” laughed Billy. “But if I’m going to give you this lesson we must make a start. The subject, by the way, is— HOW TO PLANT ROSES Before you can make a list of the roses you wish to order, you must understand something about the state in which they will be when received, how far apart they may be planted, and— WHERE TO MAKE BEDS FOR ROSES Roses like warmth and air. They love to drink, but they do not like wet feet. Knowing these things, you will select for your rose bed an airy, sunny place on the south side of a building or wall, if possible, where the ground is not so low that it will hold moisture long. Having decided what is the best place you can offer your roses, you will want to know— HOW TO MAKE BEDS FOR ROSES 1. Do not buy too many plants for the space. Do not make the bed over five feet wide. If wider, you will tread on the soil and make it heavy. 2. Remember, roses are usually planted twenty-one inches apart. (Do not plant Wichuraiana or Rugosa roses in the bed.) Alternate the plants, as shown in the following diagram: (1) (2) (3) This saves garden space, and gives (5) (4) room for the roots. (6) (7) (8) 3. To be beautiful, roses must have plenty of good food. So _dig deep_; eighteen inches is a good depth. Fill this space with a mixture of soil and well-rotted stable manure. It is best not to let the roots of the roses touch the manure. Sprinkle a little soil over the manure before putting the plant into its place. If the ground is very damp, dig deeper than two feet and throw in a basket of stones, through which the water will drain. 4. Roses are received from the dealer either growing in pots, or dormant (dry), or with little balls of earth around the roots wrapped in damp moss. The young inexperienced gardener will do best with the potted plants, but if the plants are dry and dormant (dormant means _sleeping_), it is well to soak the roots before planting. Never expose damp roots to the air. Keep in water or damp earth until planted. HOW DEEP TO PLANT ROSES Unless grown in pots, spread out the roots and pack the earth firmly about them, putting the plant deep enough to bring earth three inches over the “bud” or graft. THE BEST TIME TO PLANT ROSES depends on where you live. In general, Spring is the best time, but in the South and on the Pacific coast, Autumn is best. Some of the _hardiest_ sorts will grow well, when set out in the Fall, even in places where the winters are severe. Now, the bushes are planted, and we will think about— CARING FOR ROSES The chief cares for roses are: 1. Cultivating, or stirring the soil. 2. Feeding. 3. Destroying insect enemies. 4. Pruning.