CULTURE OF THE ROSE. 17 



them, are also good protectors. In spring, plant as early 

 as the soil is in working order ; that is to say, as soon as 

 it is dry enough not to adhere in lumps to the spade. 



In planftng, prune back the straggling roots with a 

 sharp knife, but save as many of the small fibres as pos- 

 sible. If you plant in spring, prune back the stem at 

 least half way to the ground ; but, if you plant in autumn, 

 by all means defer this operation till the winter is over. 

 The ground around autumn-planted roses should be 

 trodden down in the spring, since the plant will have 

 been somewhat loosened in its place by the effect of 

 frost; but this treading must not take place until the soil 

 has become free from excessive moisture. Budded roses 

 require a peculiar treatment in planting, which we shall 

 describe when we come to speak of them. 



Next to soil and situation, pruning is the most impor- 

 tnnt point of attention to the rose-grower. Long treatises 

 have been written on it, describing in detail different 

 modes applicable to different classes of roses, and confus- 

 ing the amateur by a multitude of perplexing particulars. 



One principle will cover most of the ground: Weakly- 

 2 



