368 ROSES. 



rush into great wood growth and give but little bloom. On the 

 contrary, those of feeble growth require to be cut back severely, 

 in order that the root may be able to supply the remaining buds 

 with sufficient sap to make them push vigorously, and cause the 

 roses it does bear to be fully developed in size and form. 



A little attention to the several varieties, and the peculiar 

 habits of each, will soon teach the observing cultivator the pruning 

 requisite in each case. There should be sufficient shortening in 

 to proportion the quantity of bloom to the strength of the plant, 

 so that the plant may not be weakened by excess of bloom, and 

 80 that the Eoses may be all well developed. Beyond this, and 

 a little thinning out occasionally of over-crowding branches, the 

 Hose will not need much pruning to keep it in shape. 



The form of Rose tree best suited to our climate is that of a 

 low bush. Both the heat of summer and the cold of winter bear 

 very injuriously upon tall standards. At best they are short-lived 

 with us. By careful pruning they may be grown as pyramids, 

 clothed with branches from the ground, like a well-formed Nor- 

 way Spruce. The pruning necessary to form a pyramid is best 

 done by pinching in the leader during the growing season, so as 

 to develop the lower buds, cut back the following spring to four 

 or five buds, train one as a leader, and the others horizontally ; 

 pinch the leader again, and the following season cut back as 

 before, repeating this operation iintil the desired form and size 

 are attained. But after all, the bush form is easier obtained, and 

 is quite as satisfactory, besides being measurably exempt from the 

 accidents which so often mar any attempts at more formal training. 

 If the Rose trees are planted in a bed, the strongest and tallest 

 growers may be planted in the centre, and those of shorter habit 

 aiTanged in front and around them, in something like regular 

 gradation, with the more dAvarfish growths in the front rank. 

 This will give the appearance of a bank of Roses. 



There are a few insect enemies of the Rose that may require 

 attention. In our own experience the Rose-slug has been the 

 most annoying. It feeds upon the softer parts of the leaves. 



