THE BOOK OP ROSES. 29 



three or four shoots, according to the size and 

 strength of the plant. The number of shoots 

 left, however, should vary only between two 

 and five. Those highest on the stock should 

 be the ones preserved, to increase the height of 

 the stem ; and as close together as possible. 

 Where only*two are preserved, they should be 

 on opposite sides ; when more, in such a form 

 as will secure a good round head to the tree, if 

 branch grafting is to be adopted. 



The usual care, as regards weeding and hoe- 

 ing, must be observed towards the plantation of 

 stocks ; and all pernicious insects, such as ca- 

 terpillars and grubs, removed. Caterpillars are 

 easily exterminated, but against grubs, a fumi- 

 gation of tobacco-smoke should be employed. 

 An insect peculiarly injurious to the eglantine, is 

 a small caterpillar not larger than a pin, which 

 attacks the young shoots, and is generally to 

 be found rolled in the young leaves, attached 

 by silken filaments. 



From the first rising of the sap till the se- 

 cond, a balance of vegetation should be care- 

 fully preserved among the shoots, if intended 

 for grafting on the branches, by pinching off 

 superfluous buds and secondary shoots, and 

 even the points of the shoots that are to be 

 preserved, when they seem disposed to branch 

 too vigorously ; so that the sap may be thrown 

 into the less healthy shoots. 



