98 The Rose Garden. 



some varieties in the Second Division of this work.* But it should be remembered 

 that the plan of pruning must be regulated in some measure by the object sought. 

 We have been treating of it with the view of forming handsome plants and pro- 

 ducing flowers in the greatest degree of beauty. But where the object is merely to 

 enrich and ornament the garden by a great display ; where the aim is to have a mass 

 of bloom, and the individual size and form of the flowers are of secondary considera- 

 tion, a less rigorous system should be adopted. Prune, then, only just so much as 

 seems necessary to keep the trees in health and shape. 



But there are particular forms which Roses are capable of taking, and these are 

 in a great measure brought about by pruning and training. Such are Pillar, 

 Pyramid, and Weeping Roses. 



PILLAR OR POLE ROSES. Most kinds may be formed into pillars, short or 

 tall ; but the kinds usually understood by this term are such as will grow at least to 

 the height of six feet. There are many beautiful Roses which will do this ; and 

 some kinds, when established, grow as if there would be no end to them. 



It is in this instance thought unnecessary to show the plant in its first year's 

 growth. 



Fig. 20 is a representation of a young plant possessed of five shoots. It had 

 three only last year, and these were cut off nearly level with the ground soon after 

 it was planted, to induce a vigorous growth. We now cut out the three shoots shown 

 by thin lines, and shorten the others to about one-half their natural length. After 

 pruning, the branches should lie at full length on the ground, and be fastened down 

 with some little pegs to keep the wind from blowing them about. Owing to their 

 recumbent position, the buds will break regularly their whole length, and by the end 

 of April they may be tied up to the pole, either in an erect position, or made to 

 entwine around it as shown in our drawing. We have introduced the poles here 

 from the first stage, but this is a matter of indifference : a good stake will answer 

 every purpose for the first two years. 



In Fig. 21 we see the same plant as it appears the following year, before it is 

 pruned. It has grown well, and there is the prospect of a complete Rose pillar 

 being speedily formed. 



We commence pruning at the bottom of the pillar by thinning out the over 

 vigorous unripened shoots formed there. Two are cut off within a foot of the ground, 

 and left to fill the base. This must be our first aim ; for it is easy at any time to 

 extend the growth and thus increase its height. We ascend the pillar, thinning as we 

 proceed, till we reach the top. Here we select one or two of the strongest and best- 

 placed shoots, g h, to continue the ascent, and tie them up. From their position an 



* The terms " robust," " vigorous," " moderate," and " dwarf," attached to the varieties in the descriptive 

 part of this work will be found generally a correct guide in pruning. 



