112 



THE BOOK OF THE ROSE 



CHAP, 



this is true, but I have formed fine plants on smooth 

 stems. I should not generally choose the water briar 

 with its deep green bark, and running slender growth 

 almost like the Ayrshire, but I have grown good Teas 

 upon it. The sweet briar does not form a good stock, 

 though, as I have 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 fore finger, 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 increasing 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 ad- 

 vantage 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 Rose to less stagnant air. 



It should be understood that no 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. Do not plant too deep : the 

 " collar," that is, the place from which the stem springs 



