40 FAMILIAR GARDEN FLOWERS. 



applies to fruit trees, roses, and to trees and shrubs of all 

 kinds. Generally speaking, fruit trees bear earlier and 

 more abundantly when left entirely unpruned, for Nature 

 is generous, and prefers her own modes of management. 

 In the next place, when pruning is to be done, the manner 

 of the growth should give the key to the method. The 

 more vigorous the growth the less severe must be the 

 pruning, for it is evident that long rods are required, and 

 if we shorten them with a bold hand we may promote wood 

 growth, and have 110 flowers. But roses that make but a 

 moderate growth may be cut in rather closely. It suits 

 Marechal Niel, and Gloire de Dijon, and all other vigorous- 

 growing roses, to be left their full length ; but when any 

 long rod becomes exhausted, it should be cut clean out 

 from the base, and its place will soon be supplied with a 

 vigorous young cane, which will, if allowed, accomplish all 

 that is required of it. 



