3S6 PLANT CULTURE 



rent or the previous season's growth. The weakest shoots should 

 always be pruned most vigorously. If one wishes to obtain good 

 flowers of the largest size the bushes must be pruned very severely, 

 but if one prefers a mass effect, only the dead branches and those 

 which have become very old are removed. It is best to prune early 

 in the Spring rather than in the Winter for one never knows how 

 much more of the plant will freeze. When cutting off a shoot cut 

 it just above a bud, which is on the oustide. This wiU make the 

 growth outward rather than toward the center of the plant Tea 

 Roses, which winter-kill to within a few inches of the soil when 

 not perfectly protected, should have all the dead material removed 

 and besides each branch must be shortened one-third. 



Cutting Roses 



It is a simple operation to cut a Rose, but few persons realize 

 the advantage of cutting them properly. The cutting of the blooms 

 of the perpetual blooming varieties often governs their ability to 

 bloom until Autumn. Always remove all wilted blooms. Cut the 

 stems long, using a sharp knife. Allow several eyes at the base of 

 the flowering shoots; these latter will send up additional flowering 

 shoots. All blind wood or wood w hich does not end in a bud should 

 also be cut back. 



Propagation by Cuttings 



Roses for outdoor growth are propagated by budding, grafting 

 and from cuttings. When it is desired to put cuttings in the open 

 ground the work should be done during the first half of October. 

 Select a sheltered spot. Have the ground freshly worked, or, better 

 still, the cuttings may be put in as the ground is dug. The cuttings 

 should be at least nine inches in length and only an inch or so 

 should be e.xposed above the surface. Those cuttings having a heel 

 are not so liable to decay as those cut betweea leaves, or at the base 

 of a leaf. They should always be put in with the aid of a spade, as 

 it allows firming with the feet; and if the soil needs it a little sand 

 should be added while the trench is open, to induce healthy rooting.' 

 Half-rotted leaves, or rough stable litter, should be spread over the 

 whole during hard freezing weather. When they are to be rooted 

 indoors, the cuttings should be taken off later, tied in bundles and 

 their bottom ends placed in moss, in a place low enough in temper- 

 ature to keep the buds dormant. In Spring place in a gentle bottom 

 heat, with the atmosphere cool. They will root readily by this 

 method. The cuttings must be potted before the roots get long. 



