XI EXHIBITING 213 



with full somewhat high centre, circular outline 

 whether smooth as the edge of a Pansy or a ring 

 of points as in many other flowers, and perfect 

 arrangement of petals, is necessary to every form of 

 a good Bose. 



The yearly round of care for Rose plants intended 

 for exhibition purposes will begin with a strict 

 attention to the rules of planting, winter protection, 

 and manuring. Pruning for exhibition has already 

 been noticed (p. 106), and it must be really severe to 

 ensure strong growth. In the subsequent thinning 

 of the buds and shoots he who would win cups and 

 first prizes must " harden his heart," and see that he 

 does not leave too many, however strong and healthy 

 they look. But in this matter of pruning and 

 thinning, careful regard must be had to the 

 " manners and customs " of the variety : for, to take 

 two instances, while Horace Vernet must have 

 all the sap the plant can give it. La France (as good 

 a show Eose at its best as any of them) must be 

 almost starved in that respect or the blooms will 

 not come to perfection. Before rubbing off the 

 others the selected young shoots should be carefully 

 examined to see that they have not been injured by 

 frost or grub, as the hopes of the plant will now 

 depend on them. 



Even among dwarf cutbacks, stakes should be 

 supplied to support all Eoses with flexible stems 

 such as Earl of Dufiferin and Marie Baumann among 

 H.P.s and most of the Teas. A sufficient number 

 of bamboos or other stakes of various heights should 

 be stored in handy corners ready for this purpose. 



As a general rule, all buds but the centre or crown 

 bud should be removed as soon as possible, and 



