VII STOCKS 127 
found it growing wild only in light soil, I fancied at 
one time it ought to do well with Teas on gravel. 
It is not always the thickest stems that are the 
best; those not stouter than the forefinger, if 
healthy and with good roots, will often do as well 
if not better for the Teas of moderate growth. 
Still, an extra stout stock is a prize for strong 
growers that should not be neglected ; vitality can 
always be diminished in many ways; it is the in- 
creasing it that takes almost all our care and 
trouble. I cut all my standard stems to the height 
of two feet, makmg them thus what are termed 
half-standards, for there does not appear to be any 
advantage in having them higher, except for the 
formation of weeping roses; even for the middle 
row of a bed, more expensive stakes must be used 
—the wind exercises more leverage upon the roots, 
and suckers are more likely to be formed. It is said, 
however, that in very close sheltered places tall 
standards are better, as exposing the Rose to less 
stagnant air. 
It should be understood that laterals or branches, 
however small, should be left on the stems, and it 
is better that there never should have been any side- 
erowth from the portion of two feet which is left. 
They should be planted in rows, the stocks a foot 
and the rows a yard apart, but they may be a little 
closer if for Teas, and room be precious. I plant 
in double rows, every other row being only one foot 
apart. Of course this 1s too close together for per- 
manent plants to stand, but even if you succeed in 
making every stock into a Rose-tree, every other 
one can be removed when the Rose has made its 
maiden growth. Do not plant too deep: the 
