168 OF PRUNING. SECT. XII. 



The general directions already given for pruning 

 ftirubs might fuffice, but that the young gardener may 

 not have to difcover (by obfervation alone) the proper 

 application of the given rules, he is here particularly 

 directed to the work of pruning -a few of the more com- 

 mon forts. 



Rofes bear upon moots of theprefent year, and upon 

 thofe formed after Midfummer in the paft year, but 

 chiefly upon the former. Therefore, they may, or ra- 

 ther mould be cut down low, leaving only three or four 

 eyes to a moot; except fome of thofe fhort (hoots 

 formed the laft year too late to blow then, which leave 

 whole. If rofe trees are not clofe pruned they will 

 be unable to fupport their flowers properly. Ufe a 

 fharp knife and cut clofe behind an eye or bud. Rofes 

 for forcing mould be pruned in July and Augufl. 



Hcneyfuckles flower on moots of the prefent year, 

 and therefore whether trained to walls, or kept in 

 bufhes, mould be alfo pruned clofe, but not fo fhort in 

 the latter cafe as the former; for thofe againft walls 

 fhould be cut down to an eye or two, and thofe in bufhes 

 to three or four eyes. 



Siveetbriars flower on moots of the prefent year, 

 and therefore mould be cut after the manner of honey - 

 fuckles. Thefe fhrubs (and moll others) are feldorn 

 pruned down enough ; fo that in a few years they get 

 very rambling and unfightly ; but if kept compact we 

 have beauty, as well as fweetnefs, to recorapence our 

 care. In all cafes, a lefs number of fine flowers, ob- 

 tained by fhort and open pruning, is certainly preferable 

 to many indifferent ones. 



Lilacs bear their flowers at the ends of fhoots of the 

 laft year, fo of courfe at fpring muff not be fhortcned. 

 If got rambling and crowded, cut cither clean out, 6r 

 very low, what may be fuperfluous. If they need much 

 reduction, let them be cut down as foon as (or iomewhat 

 before) they have got off flower, and then the ihoots* 



that 



