PLANTING AND PRUNING. 81 
away to the sound part, but also all those 
large ones that are uninjured, for by this 
they are induced to put forth small roots of 
fibrous nature, which are of great assistance 
in promoting health and vigor of plant. 
The cut made in pruning should be as 
nearly horizontal as possible, so that there 
shall be but a slight exposure of wounded 
surface; itis generally preferable to cut from 
the inside, and to see that the top bud which 
is left points outward. If the plants bleed 
after the operation the surface of the cut 
should be smeared over with wax or other 
substance; often a coating of mud will answer. 
Roses are pruned both early in the spring 
and in the autumn; we prefer the former 
season, but when done then, care must be 
had not to put it off too late, for if not at- 
tended to early, the sap will have pushed 
toward the upper buds, and when pruned 
there will be bleeding or exuding of the sap. 
The pruning should therefore take place 
while the plants are dormant, and before the 
sap begins to flow. The chief objects to be 
held in view in pruning are the formation 
of a symmetrical plant, and to promote the 
formation of bloom buds. To secure these 
the following general rule must be observed: 
Plants of delicate habit and weak growth re- 
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