THE season for transplanting roses "is from the end of October to the middle of March. The autumn is generally preferred; although, I think, it matters but little, provided they are not removed during frosty weather. If standards are chosen, each plant should be tied to a stake to preserve it from the action of the wind; and, whether standards or dwarfs, it is an excellent plan to cover the soil with old hotbed manure, describing a circle round the plant about eighteen inches in diameter. This done, pruning is the next operation, and this should be performed in February or March. As the roots of the plants will have been curtailed by the act of removal, more pruning is necessary the first year than at any subsequent period. It is scarcely possible to acquire a correct knowledge of pruning otherwise than by watching a proficient in the art. Nevertheless, a few hints may prove serviceable. A young plant should have from three to seven shoots; if more are present, those best situated for the formation of a well-balanced plant should be singled out, and the others cut away. This is called thinning. It is now necessary to shorten the shoots that are left. It is an axiom in rose-pruning—the more rigorous the growth, the less should the shoots be shortened. The kinds of weak growth may be shortened to two, or at most three eyes (buds), the moderate growers ranging from three to five eyes, and the strong growers from five to seven. In the early growth of spring, it is necessary to look through the plants occasionally, to remove the caterpillars which infest them at that season, and which travel from bud to bud, eating out the core, and destroying the future flowers. The autumnal blooming kinds require higher cultivation than the summer ones. The latter flower in summer only; the former give a succession of flowers during the autumn months. By strict attention to these directions, a beautiful collection of roses may be formed."
Collars and undersleeves being so expensive once more, many ladies prefer to embroider for themselves, as the style is by no means difficult. The pattern, principally of eyelets, and with deep points of button-hole stitch (such as we have given, from time to time, in the "Lady's Book" Work-Table), is traced on the muslin or cambric. Instead of the old-fashioned hoops, or tambour-frames, a piece of dark morocco or kid is basted beneath, to keep the strip quite straight and even, then worked over the finger. The same is used for scalloping or pointing skirts, or, in fact, for any style of cambric or muslin embroidery.
Slippers are principally in applique. That is, a pattern of velvet, be it a scroll, leaves, or flowers, is applied to black broadcloth by braiding or chain-stitching. It takes much less time than canvas-work, and, though it will not last so long, has a much richer effect. This style of work is much used in smoking-caps, also in silk and velvet for mantillas, short Talmas, etc. For canvas patterns, some of the latest styles introduce the heads of animals, as the fox, or the whole figure, a tiny kitten—on the toe, looking out from a wreath of leaves or flowers, with a groundwork of some plain color. Scrolls, octagons, diamonds, etc., shaded from black to the palest colors, are also much used.
JUVENILE BOOKS.—FROM EVANS & BRITTAN.
A celebrated publisher in our own country has come to the conclusion that there are but three classes of readers it is a bookseller's pleasure or interest to cater for—young ladies, college students, and children. Medical works, law books, or, indeed, those pertaining to any of the professions, are to be considered as the tools of trade; but we refer to those who read for pleasure simply, and enjoy what they read without carping or cavil. Yet children are critics, often admirable, though always genial, nevertheless very observant of good morals and truthfulness to nature; and, this most favorite class of readers constantly increasing, it has become a distinct branch of business at the present time—the selection and publication of juvenile books.
Of the firms especially devoted to it, we have before noticed Evans & Brittan, of New York, now the publishers of our old and well-beloved friend, "The Schoolfellow." They are issuing many attractive volumes for the little people, even though the holidays are over, and among those destined to a permanent place in juvenile literature, we notice "At Home and Abroad; or, How to Behave." By Mrs. Manners. "Pleasure and Profit," an admirable series of stories on the Lord's Prayer, was the first claim put forth by this pleasant friend and instructress upon the attention of the little people and their elders. The praise which it won will be still farther secured to the authoress by her second book, which is exactly what was needed in every nursery and school-room in the country, and we predict that it will become a text-book speedily. There is running through every chapter the kindliest Christian politeness, the truest of all, as well as many judicious hints on the customs of good society; and yet, with all its valuable instruction, it is neither dull nor prosy, but a series of interesting stories, conversations, or rather "talks," in the most good-natured and cheerful vein. We fancy this will be the most popular of the series, in which the "Pet Bird," by Cousin Alice, "Pleasure and Profit," and many others are numbered. It is published in a uniform style with these.
Then, again, for still younger people, is the capital "Laughter-Book," and "Naughty Boys and Girls," with their broad German mirth and brilliant pictures; the wonderful "Adventures of a Dog," with text and illustration to make any boy's holiday feast: "Pretty Poll," also illustrated; and, above all, that perfect gem for the nursery, "The Book of Songs," with its quaint nursery tales and quiet hymns, illustrated by no less a pencil than Birket Foster, of English celebrity. We particularly commend the editorial taste and style in the letter-press and illustrations of all these volumes.