18 CULTURE OP THE ROSE. 



growing roses should be severely pruned : those of vigor- 

 ous growth should be pruned but little. Or, to speak more 

 precisely, roses should be pruned in inverse proportion 

 to the vigor of their growth. 



Much, however, depends on the object at which the 

 grower aims. If he wishes for a profusion of bloom, 

 without regard to the size and perfection of individual 

 flowers, then comparatively little pruning is required. If, 

 on the other hand, he wishes for blooms of the greatest 

 size and perfection, without regard to number, he will 

 prune more closely. 



The pruning of any tree or shrub at a time when vege- 

 tation is dormant acts as a stimulus to its vital powers. 

 Hence, when it is naturally vigorous, it is urged by close 

 pruning to such a degree of growth, that it has no leisure 

 to bear flowers, developing instead a profusion of leaves 

 and branches. The few flowers which it may produce 

 under such circumstances, will, however, be unusually 

 large. 



The most vigorous growers among roses are the 



climbers, such as the "Boursaults" and the "Prairies." 



These require very little pruning : first, because of their 



vigor; and, secondly, because quantity rather than quality 



of bloom is asked of them. The old and dry wood 



