Pruning. 91 



requiring the patience and skill of two or even three seasons. Before we commence 

 the pruning of a Rose, whether it be a bush or a tree, it is therefore well to determine 

 the shape it shall assume, and then frame all our operations with a view to its 

 accomplishment. Perhaps a form at the same time pleasing 'and advantageous is 

 that of a pyramid or half-oval ; for in such all the shoots and branches get a good 

 portion of air and sunlight, and the under ones are not excluded from view, which 

 they often are in round-headed trees. The varieties of spreading growth are most 

 easily brought into this form, but the principle is applicable to all. 



The next aim in Rose-pruning should be : 



3. To secure an abundance of good flowers. 



If the health and vigour of a tree are affected by pruning, the flowers, depending 

 so much on these conditions, must also be affected by the same operations. 



When about to prune a Rose I first look to the name that I may know the habit 

 and character of the variety I have to deal with. I must know whether it is a 

 summer or perpetual bloomer ; a strong or weakly grower ; and whether fine flowers 

 are produced from low, middle, and top eyes indiscriminately or not. I then study 

 the condition of the shoots. It is only by knowing and considering these points that 

 we can prune with accuracy and ensure full success. 



It is an axiom in Rose-pruning, that the more vigorous in habit a plant is the 

 greater number of shoots should be cut out at the base, and the less should those 

 which are left be shortened. This has in view, in particular, the production of flowers 

 in the most perfect condition. The eyes near the base of those kinds which form 

 short shoots (especially the Autumnals), usually produce the best flowers ; and in the 

 vigorous growers we prefer, for the same reason, the eyes about the middle of the 

 shoot. But there is a question arising here which it may be well to glance at 

 before proceeding further. Nearly all Roses make two growths in the year 

 first in Spring, and again in Summer shortly after they have flowered. Some 

 of the Autumnals start afresh at short intervals throughout Summer and Autumn ; 

 but we wish at the present time to speak of the Spring and Summer's growth only, 

 and to ask which we should look to as calculated to produce the best flowers. 



When the shoots formed in Summer are well ripened we should sometimes prefer 

 them, and for these reasons. The growth at that season is generally more rapid, and 

 the shoots, although usually of less strength, are freer in the bark ; the eyes are more 

 plump and prominent, and well stored with the juices required to supply nourishment 

 and promote growth.* Nevertheless, it is only a question of neat perfect flowers that 

 would induce us to prefer the Summer wood ; for when we desire large flowers, or to 

 keep the form of the tree elegant, we shall find it necessary in most cases to prune 

 back to the growth of Spring. Still it is well to bear in mind that the wood grown 



* Hence the flowers, if not so large, are less coarse and more perfect. 



