98 THE BOOK OF THE ROSE chap. 



will be useful for very small shoots, and for bits of 

 dead wood or anything in an awkward position, but 

 in all such cases the cuts should afterwards be 

 trimmed and smoothed as much as possible with a 

 knife. A small pruning-saw is most effectual for 

 thick pieces of dead wood, but in many instances 

 cannot be used; in some such cases, the very 

 powerful secateurs with long wooden handles will 



Ordinary Secateurs, 



be found useful. In the use of all such instruments, 

 scissors, or secateurs of any kind, it should be re- 

 membered that the force ought to be applied in one 

 direction only at a time without twisting or 

 screwing : any wringing of the tool is sure to impair 

 it. Professionals will not only prune but will even 

 bud their dwarf plants by simply stooping over 

 them, but I confess it makes my back ache even to 

 see them at it. For kneeling on the wet soil I have 

 found a piece of waterproof about eighteen inches 

 square more satisfactory and less tiring than knee- 

 caps, but it should be borne in mind that the weight 

 of the body will bring moisture through any 



