VII STOCKS 127 



found it growing wild only in light soil, I fancied at 

 one time it ought to do well with Teas on gravel. 



It is not always the thickest stems that are the 

 best ; those not stouter than the forefinger, if 

 healthy and with good roots, will often do as well 

 if not better for the Teas of moderate growth. 

 Still, an extra stout stock is a prize for strong 

 growers that should not be neglected ; vitality can 

 always be diminished in many ways ; it is the in- 

 creasing it that takes almost all our care and 

 trouble. I cut all my standard stems to the height 

 of two feet, making them thus what are termed 

 half-standards, for there does not appear to be any 

 advantage in having them higher, except for the 

 formation of weeping roses; even for the middle 

 row of a bed, more expensive stakes must be used 

 — the wind exercises more leverage upon the roots, 

 and suckers are more likely to be formed. It is said, 

 however, that in very close sheltered places tall 

 standards are better, as exposing the Eose to less 

 stagnant air. 



It should be understood that laterals or branches, 

 however small, should be left on the stems, and it 

 is better that there never should have been any side- 

 growth from the portion of two feet which is left. 

 They should be planted in rows, the stocks a foot 

 and the rows a yard apart, but they may be a little 

 closer if for Teas, and room be precious. I plant 

 in double rows, every other row being only one foot 

 apart. Of course this is too close together for per- 

 manent plants to stand, but even if you succeed in 

 making every stock into a Eose-tree, every other 

 one can be removed when the Eose has made its 

 maiden growth. Do not plant too deep : the 



