FEBRUARY.] FLOWER-GARDEN OF PRUNING, &c. 45 



nature. In fact, the pruning of deciduous hardy shrubs 

 should be done in such a manner as not to be observa- 

 ble when the plants are covered with verdure. It may 

 frequently be observed in Flower-gardens, that roses 

 and shrubs of every description are indiscriminately 

 cut with the shears, the dmorphas and Altheas sharing 

 the same fate. 



Robinias, Coluteas, Cyticus, Rhus, Genistas, with several 

 of the Viburnums, and many others, bear their flowers 

 on the wood of last year, and when thus sheared 

 afford no gratification in flowering. And those shrubs 

 that thus flower on the shoots of last year are perhaps 

 worse to keep in regular order, than those to which 

 the knife can be freely applied ; but good management 

 while young will ensure handsome free flowering 

 plants. 



Climbing shrubs, and others that are trained against 

 outbuildings, walls, or such as are sheltered thereby, 

 and not now in danger of suffering by frost, may be 

 pruned and dressed. These should be neatly trimmed, 

 and the branches moderately thinned out, tying in all 

 the shoots straight and regular. Avoid at all times, if 

 possible, the crossing of any shoots. 



There is not a shrub in the garden that agrees so 

 well with close cutting, as the Althea, and all its va- 

 rieties. These can be made either bushes or trees, 

 and kept at any desired height. Where the wood of 

 last year is cut to about two or three inches from the 

 wood of the former year, the young shoots of this year 

 will produce the largest and finest flowers, and likewise 

 more profusely. When they have attained the desired 



