98 THE BOOK OF THE ROSE CHAP. 
will be useful for very small shoots, and for bits of 
dead wood or.anything in an awkward position, but 
in all such cases the cuts should afterwards be 
trimmed and smoothed as much as possible with a 
knife. A small pruning-saw is most effectual for 
thick pieces of dead wood, but in many instances 
cannot be used; in some such cases, the very 
powerful sécateurs with long wooden handles will 
ORDINARY SECATEURS. 
be found useful. In the use of all such instruments, 
scissors, or sécateurs of any kind, it should be re- 
membered that the force ought to be applied in one 
direction only at a time without twisting or 
screwing : any wringing of the tool is sure to impair 
it. Professionals will not only prune but will even 
bud their dwarf plants by simply stooping over 
them, but I confess it makes my back ache even to 
see them at it. For kneeling on the wet soil I have 
found a piece of waterproof about eighteen inches 
square more satisfactory and less tiring than knee- 
caps, but it should be borne in mind that the weight 
of the body will bring moisture through any 
