126 THE AUTUMNAL KOSE GARDEN. 



will be unsightly : in such cases, cover with some 

 nice green moss, as directed in the culture of 

 Hybrid China Hoses. I have said that this treat- 

 ment is applicable to dry poor soils ; but even in 

 good rose soils it is almost necessary ; for it will 

 give such increased vigour, and such a prolongation 

 of the flowering season, as amply to repay the 

 labour bestowed. If the soil is prepared, as 

 directed, they will twice in the year require 

 pruning : in November, when the beds are dressed, 

 and again in the beginning of June. In the No- 

 vember pruning, cut off from every shoot of the 

 preceding summer's growth about two thirds; if 

 they are crowded, remove some of them entirely. 

 If this autumnal pruning is attended to, there will 

 be, early in June, the following summer, a vast 

 number of luxuriant shoots, each crowned with a 

 cluster of buds. Now, as June roses are always 

 abundant, a little sacrifice must be made to ensure 

 a fine autumnal bloom ; therefore, leave only half 

 the number of shoots to bring forth their summer 

 flowers, the remainder shorten to about half their 

 length. Each shortened branch will soon put 

 forth buds ; and in August and September the 

 plants will again be covered with flowers. In cul- 

 tivating Perpetual Eoses, the faded flowers ought 

 immediately to be removed; for in autumn the 

 petals do not fall off readily but lose their colour 

 and remain on the plant, to the injury of the 

 forthcoming buds. Though I have recommended 



