T1o0 VINES 
tion should be given immediately after it has 
flowered. It is advisable, however, to remove all 
very weak shoots and cut back far enough on the 
good wood to induce several fine, strong shoots, 
which will be the flowering wood the following 
spring. 
Though it is a natural climber, clematis has 
to be assisted somewhat on account of the weak- 
ness of its shoots. It climbs mainly by means of 
its petioles or leaf stalks. The stems, it is true, 
twine to some degree, but the chief work of 
support is upon the leaf stalks, the only purpose 
of the stem twist being to bring the petioles into 
proper position. 
