62 PEUNING. 



trees want harder pruning- than strong-, vigorous 

 kinds. I know it seems absurd, but it is so, and the 

 reason is simply this — that weakly trees can only 

 support one or two eyes in strong- shoots, whilst 

 vigorous trees can support more, and will ever try to 

 do so before they make good flower. Cut back your 

 Teas to start with to four or five eyes, and your H.T.s 

 to five or six, and your H.P.s the same. Remember 

 frost may rob you of your first shoots, and it is wisest 

 to be on the safe side, unless you are anxious to ex- 

 hibit certain varieties well. In any case, I write for 

 the masses, and I have found that the media via is 

 always the wisest course to pursue. Established trees, 

 or, as they are commonly termed, *' cut-backs," will 

 require more careful pruning, and if they have made 

 good wood they can stand cutting back hard to three 

 or four eyes. Some varieties, like *' Her Majesty," 

 take time to plump up the eyes, and there is little risk 

 in cutting back early; others on examination will be 

 found to almost have started ; such require late prun- 

 ing, and then not too severe. Experience is our great 

 guide, and many an amateur who reads these hints 

 will be able to advise the writer on certain varieties. 

 Most of us have much to learn, and few can afford to 

 dispense with the observation and experience of a 

 brother rosarian, be he amateur or professional. Be- 

 fore closing my advice on pruning, I must add a few 

 lines as to Autumn bloom and Summer cutting of 

 Roses. If a heavy crop of Autumn Roses is desired, 

 the grower must remove immediately, after flowering, 

 all Roses and superfluous buds, and even Summer 

 buds if the Autumn crop is of paramount importance. 

 Do not cut away too many leaves when gathering 

 flowers. I tremble for the trees when I see the fair 

 sex gathering Roses. Never would I allow anyone to 

 touch my trees ; no, not even my most favoured' 

 friend. 



And she asks to cut a Rose, 

 Watch her well, and see 



Lest the length of stem impose 



Too much on the tree. — T. G. W. H. 



