ROSES UNDER GLASS 143 



growth made is very moderate indeed compared 

 with that of the same varieties in the open ground. 

 Consequently, if pruned as hard, most of the shoots 

 made during the previous summer would be entirely 

 removed ; whereas it is important that as many of 

 these shoots as possible should be retained. After 

 the dead wood and any weak or crowded growths 

 in the centre of the plant have been cut clean out, 

 the remaining shoots of the past season's growth 

 should be pruned from one-third to one-half of 

 their length, according to their strength, the stronger 

 growths being left the longer of the two. The aim 

 should be to obtain a well-balanced plant with a 

 moderate number of good shoots as equally distri- 

 buted round it as possible. In order to obtain this, 

 it will be advisable after pruning to fasten a wire 

 round the rim of the pot, and to tie out any shoots 

 that may require it to the wire with raffia, taking 

 care not to break any of them in so doing ; or 

 light Hazel sticks may be inserted at intervals round 

 the pots and the shoots secured to them. In the case 

 of very vigorous growers, the leading shoots should 

 be bent spirally round the ring of sticks. 



Forcing Roses. — If the plants be required to flower 

 towards the end of the winter instead of in the 

 spring more skill and care will be necessary, for 

 Roses naturally object to much fire heat, and the 

 lack of sunshine at that season is another drawback. 

 For this purpose plants should be selected which 

 have been grown as previously directed for at least 

 one year under glass, with the pots well filled with 



