88 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



symmetrical form is obtained by disbudding, or rubbing out some 

 of the eyes wlien swelling, which method of pruning takes the 

 place of thinning out the weaker branches, whereby the remaining 

 buds produce stronger wood, and conscquenth* there is a healthier 

 and larger surface of foliage. The important results which arise 

 from pruning are, the maintenance of the tree in health and vigor, 

 giving a form agreeable to the eye and advantageous to the devel- 

 opment and display of its blossoms, and securing an abundance of 

 fine flowers. The most desirable and pleasing form for trimming 

 is that of a pyramid, or half oval, where all of the shoots and 

 branches receive a due portion of air and sunlight ; and we should 

 never forget to look to the name, to know the habit and character 

 of the variet}' to be pruned, to ascertain if it is a strong or weakly 

 grower, and whether or not the finest flowers are produced indis- 

 criminately from the low, middle, or top germs. 



There is no ro\-al road to the elegant garden of roses. Al- 

 though a more generalh' diffused taste for the cultivation of this 

 charming race of plants is manifest, few have a sufficient kno\Yl- 

 edge of their habits to know how to grow them intelligentl}'. 

 Besides, we must see these choicest gifts of nature to be acquainted 

 with their excellences. In most of our gardens there are no spe- 

 cial attractions to the rosarian, but a happ}', peaceful home to the 

 entomologist. Yet there are pleasing spots which receive studious 

 attention, where nature seems to have expended all her wealth 

 in rendering the earth blossomy beautiful with the simple loveli- 

 ness of the roses ; most elegant at sunrise, when newly dilated b}' 

 the breath of morn, and showing all that freshness in which consist 

 peculiar charms, too soon vanishing before the radiance of a sum- 

 mer's sun. In their purit}' and splendor these souvenirs of love 

 and friendship blush and gleam amid their glossy leaves. 



I am often asked what varieties are to be most commended for 

 garden culture. All of the several types have some peculiar and 

 distinct characteristic wliich is valuable. I should therefore elect 

 from the dilTerent families according to the number desired, regard 

 being had to variety of shades, hardiness, and freedom of bloom, 

 giving preference to those whose petals are abundant, and regularly 

 and gracefully disposed ; and, usually, the thicker these are the richer 

 the tints and the longer the flowers endure. Dark roses, as a rule, are 

 the first to fade ; but Louis Van Houtte, Marie Baumann, and 

 Alfred Colomb rank high for permanency of color. The rose 

 shades that are the most durable are illustrated in Marquise de 



