30 
vigorous, moderate, or dwarf-growing variety ; also 
to determine what kinds are required for exhibition 
purposes, as these will want somewhat more careful 
pruning and thinning. 
Carefully thin out from the head of the plant by 
clearing away all small and crowded branches, like- 
wise all gross unripe shoots, leaving such only as 
are composed of firm and well-ripened wood, and 
these at regular and equal distances. Prune down 
according to the strength of the shoot and habit of 
the variety, in some cases to two or three inches ; 
in others, where the habit is vigorous, one foot or 
even eighteen inches will not be too long for a shoot 
to be left ; but as this will depend upon the habit of 
the variety, and the shoot to be pruned, no absolute 
rule can be given. In shortening the shoots, cut 
close to an eye, observing where practicable to 
leave well swollen plump buds, which invariably 
produce the finest blooms ; likewise secure those 
having an outward tendency, and pointing in a 
direction proper for the handsome formation of the 
plant. Commence with the most hardy sorts, such 
as the French, Moss, Alba, Provence, Damask, and 
Austrian Roses. These for the most part have 
dormant-looking buds, and being less active than 
others, take a longer time to develop them, and 
being perfectly hardy, are not so liable to be injured 
by spring frosts should they happen to start pre- 
maturely into growth, With few exceptions, the 
whole of the varieties in the above six classes are 
of uniform and moderate growth, and many of the 
Moss as well as the French are dwarf in habit, pro- 
