PLANTING AND PRUNING. Cl 



away to the sound part, but also all those 

 large ones that are uninjured, for by this 

 they are induced to put forth small roots of 

 fibrous nature, which are of great assistance 

 in promoting health and vigor of plant. 



The cut made in pruning should be as 

 nearly horizontal as possible, so that there 

 shall be but a slight exposure of wounded 

 surface ; it is generally preferable to cut from 

 the inside, and to see that the top bud which 

 is left points outward. If the plants bleed 

 after the operation the surface of the cut 

 should be smeared over with wax or other 

 substance ; often a coating of mud will answer. 

 Roses are pruned both early in the spring 

 and in the autumn; we prefer the former 

 season, but when done then, care must be 

 had not to put it off too late, for if not at- 

 tended to early, the sap will have pushed 

 toward the upper buds, and when pruned 

 there will be bleeding or exuding of the sap. 

 The pruning should therefore take place 

 while the plants are dormant, and before the 

 sap begins to flow. The chief objects to be 

 held in view in pruning are the formation 

 of a symmetrical plant, and to promote the 

 formation of bloom buds. To secure these 

 the following general rule must be observed : 

 Plants of delicate habit and weak growth re- 

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