98 THE ROSE GARDEN. 



ders, an advantageous point is gained by sorting them out at the time of trans- 

 planting, and placing them in a sheltered spot, where they may be shielded from the 

 cutting winds, and then hoo}) them over, covering, in severe weather, with a mat, 

 or some frost-excluding material. I have advocated sowing in spring, because the 

 seed lies in the ground a far shorter time ; but I know some prefer autumn for the 

 operation, because calculated to induce an earlier growth, whereby are obtained 

 plants stronger and better fitted to endure the cold of their first winter. 



If the latter period of the year be chosen, it will be necessary to guard the seeds 

 effectually against mice, as the length of time they lie in the ground increases their 

 chance of being eaten by these intruders. It is a good plan to cover the bed with 

 fine wire-work, or, if we choose to act on the offensive rather than the defensive, 

 the mice may be trapped and destroyed. It will be well to have an eye to this 

 point, whether sowing in spring or autumn. 



It is no uncommon occurrence, with seedlings growing out of doors during winter, 

 for the roots to be thrown to the surface, the plants sometimes lying almost out of 

 the ground. If left in this condition, they wither and die. They should be re- 

 planted ; and if the beds are hoed on a fine day in winter it will prove advantageous, 

 casting a little fine mould upon the surface in the succeeding spring. 



With regard to the pruning of seedlings, we have only one point to consider in 

 the first instance — to obtain fine flowers. We sacrifice the shape of the tree to 

 this point, if necessary, cutting back to any eyes that are plump and prominent, 

 and situated on wood likely to produce fine flowers. We remove the gross shoots, 

 if there be any, and thin out well, especially if the variety be an Autumnal, and, 

 therefore, a certain bloomer. 



