MINNESOTA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 73 
change the nature of what you have, by means of dung, or 
loam, or both. 
/ 
After the preparation of the soil, we begin with 
PLANTING THE ROSE. 
Roses may be planted in spring or in autumn. In our State 
the severity of the winter demands to plant, if planted in 
autumn, as early as possible, that the roots may take some 
hold on the soil before winter sets in. The first part of Octo- 
ber is the best time. If planted in spring, plant as early as 
the soil is in working order, that is, as soon as it is dry enough 
not to adhere in lumps to the spade. In planting, the root 
must first be examined, and every particle of it that has been 
bruised should be cut off with a sharp knife, but save as many 
of the small fibers as possible. If the holes are dug large 
enough to take the root in without cramping it, let one put 
in the plant and the other throw in th2 soil. By moving the 
stem backward and forward and pulling upward a little, it is 
easy to work the soil well between the roots. Instead of 
treading down, give plenty of water, so the soil will be firm 
around the roots. Be carful to keep the crown of the root 
near the surface of the ground. If you plant in spring, prune 
back to three, or even two good stems, at least half way to 
the ground, but if you plant in autumn, lay this operation 
over until spring. Next to soil and planting, 
PRUNING 
Is the most important point of attention. If the plant is very 
bushy, cut away all the weather branches, leave not more than 
three or four of the best of the shoots, and shorten even those 
down to a few eyes. If you wish the plant to continue dwarf 
and bushy, you may cut down to the last eye or two of the 
new wood, but leave no thin, half-grown shoots on at any 
rate. If the plant isa matured bush, with numerous branches 
and pretty strong generally, shorten the new wood down to 
two eyes. After this it may be found that you have a great 
many more branches left on than you require, cut one-half 
of them close off. It may be, also, that the plant will be im- 
proved by cutting some of the main branches clear away, for 
roses, like everything else, are easily spoiled by leaving too 
much wood. 
The most vigorous growers among roses are the climbers. 
These require very little pruning ; first, because of their vigor, 
and secondly, because quantity rather than quality of bloom 
