xI EXHIBITING 213 
with full somewhat high centre, circular outline 
whether smooth as the edge of a Pansy or a ring 
of points as in many other flowers, and _ perfect 
arrangement of petals, is necessary to every form of 
a good Rose. 
The yearly round of care for Rose plants intended 
for exhibition purposes will begin with a strict 
attention to the rules of planting, winter protection, 
and manuring. Pruning for exhibition has already 
been noticed (p. 106), and it must be really severe to 
ensure strong growth. In the subsequent thinning 
of the buds and shoots he who would win cups and 
first prizes must ‘“‘ harden his heart,’’ and see that he 
does not leave too many, however strong and healthy 
they look. But in this matter of pruning and 
thinning, careful regard must be had to the 
““manners and customs” of the variety: for, to take 
two instances, while Horace Vernet must have 
all the sap the plant can give it, La France (as good 
a show Rose at its best as any of them) must be 
almost starved in that respect or the blooms will 
not come to perfection. Before rubbing off the 
others the selected young shoots should be carefully 
examined to see that they have not been injured by 
frost or grub, as the hopes of the plant will now 
depend on them. 
Even among dwarf cutbacks, stakes should be 
supplied to support all Roses with flexible stems 
such as Earl of Dufferin and Marie Baumann among 
H.P.s and most of the Teas. A sufficient number 
of bamboos or other stakes of various heights should 
be stored in handy corners ready for this purpose. 
As a general rule, all buds but the centre or crown 
bud should be removed as soon as possible, and 
