VI PRUNING 105 
examination of each plant in early May, when 
a thinning of the pushing buds may be practised 
where it is necessary. Of those growing too close 
together or in a wrong direction or filling up the 
centre, one or two may be rubbed off. But we must 
not be rash; if undecided, it may be prudent 
to adjourn the examination for a week or so, when 
we can still take the shoot off, but cannot put it 
back. Itis best, when an actual shoot of an inch 
or more has to be removed, not to rub it out, as 
this leaves a deep ugly scar, but to shave it closely 
off with a knife. 
For bedding purposes the pegging-down system is 
fairly successful with really strong-growing varieties 
of not too stiff habit. But it must be understood 
that it will not be satisfactory, unless the soil and 
culture be of the best, and the most free varieties 
in growth and bloom be selected. All must be cut 
away save two or three (not too many) of the 
strongest shoots, which are bent down and pegged 
over the bed. They will break and bloom all over, 
and in late summer other shoots will probably 
spring from the base, a selection of which will 
take the places of the: old ones in the following 
spring. 
Extra tall standards trained to form weeping Roses 
are beautiful objects when in bloom. It is im- 
possible, however, to make any varieties, which are 
not naturally of flexible or pendulous growth, take 
this form successfully by bending them down. The 
Hybrids of Wichuariana and the summer climbing 
Roses, such as the Ayrshire and Evergreen classes, 
should therefore be used for this purpose. The heads 
should be vigorously pruned back the first year, or 
