278 FLOWER GARDEN PRUNING ROSES. [Jura AND JULY. 



of the under-side of the shoot, cut about half through 

 in a slanting direction, making an upward slit towards 

 the next joint, near an inch in extent; and loosening 

 the earth, make a small oblong cavity one or two in- 

 ches deep, putting a little fresh light earth therein. Lay 

 the stem part where the slit is made into the earth, 

 keeping the cut part open, and the head of the layer 

 upright one or two inches out of the earth ; and in that 

 position peg down the layer with one of the hooked 

 twigs, and cover the inserted part to the depth of one 

 inch with some of the fresh earth, pressing it gently 

 down. In this manner proceed to lay all the proper 

 shoots of each plant. Keep the earth a little full round 

 the plant, to retain longer the water that may be ap- 

 plied. Give immediately a moderate watering, with 

 a rose watering pot, and in dry weather give light water- 

 ings every evening. Choose a cloudy day for the above 

 operation. In about two months they will be well 

 rooted, 



PRUNING ROSES. 



The best time to prune what are termed " Garden 

 roses" is immediately after flowering, which is gener- 

 ally about the middle of June. Cut out all old exhaust- 

 ed wood, and where it is too thick and crowded, short- 

 ening those shoots which have flowered to a good fresh 

 strong eye, or bud, accompanied with a healthy leaf, 

 but leaving untouched such shoots as are still in a grow- 

 ing state, except where they are becoming irregular. 

 Such should be cut to the desired shape. There is not 

 a better period of the year for puting these bushes in 



