i82 THE ROSE BOOK 



good instrument is obtained, and the blades are kept 

 sharp, there is nothing to be urged against their use, 

 and much to be said in their favour. They are con- 

 venient to handle, and enable one to prune many roses 

 in a short time. A small saw is sometimes necessary, 

 as, for instance, in removing old branches from vigorous 

 plants of rugosa, or rambling roses, but the ease with 

 which good secateurs will cut through a thick stem is 

 surprising. 



Further instructions on pruning are given, when 

 necessary, in the chapters dealing with the various 

 classes of roses. 



