EXHIBITING ROSES 123 



Hybrid Perpetuals and Hybrid Teas is March. It 

 will be well to commence operations early in that 

 month, and to continue the work at intervals during 

 the course of it. When thinning out the shoots of the 

 Hybrid Perpetuals, from three to six shoots, accord- 

 ing to the strength of the individual plant, should be 

 allowed to remain. By the best shoots is meant those 

 which are the strongest and at the same time well 

 ripened ; gross, sappy shoots are of little service. 

 When pruned the shoots should be left from three 

 to six inches in length, according to the vigour of the 

 variety — the stronger growers being the least severely 

 pruned. 



The Hybrid Teas will also require close pruning as 

 a rule, but the shoots of the strong-growing varieties 

 should be left longer than is recommended for the 

 Hybrid Perpetuals. 



The pruning of the Teas must be deferred until 

 April, when, after thinning out the weak, sappy and 

 dead shoots, those that remain should be cut back half 

 their length. Of course, should the previous winter 

 have been unusually severe there will be little choice 

 in the matter, for in that case, after removing the 

 dead wood, the shoots which remain will have to be 

 cut back until sound wood is met with, even should 

 this be beneath the level of the soil. 



Insects and other Pests. — These must be diligently 

 sought for and prompt measures taken to destroy 

 them and thus prevent them from spreading. For 

 this purpose a daily inspection of the plants during the 

 growing season will be necessary. It cannot be too 



