132 



THE BOOK OF THE ROSE 



CHAP. 



It is absolutely necessary that the growing shoot be 

 tied to some support as soon as possible, and that 

 care should be taken throughout the first season to 

 see that it is really secure. Great caution should be 

 used in making the first tie with a strong stiff shoot — 

 the union is very insecure, and even a crack from bend- 

 ing too much, or a sudden jar, may ruin all in a moment. 

 Never mind spoiling the shape or look of the plant : 

 we may think of that next year. The union is not 

 perfect, at least for some time, during the first season, 

 and the shoot is generally top-heavy. The finer the 

 growth and the better the head formed, the more 

 certain it is to be blown out if not securely tied. 

 Nothing is more aggravating than to come out some 

 morning in spring or summer and find the whole thing 

 blown clean out of the stock. The plant is absolutely 

 destroyed, and all the time and labour from the first 

 getting of the stock is simply thrown away. 



It is best not to try to be economical in such a case, 

 or when buds have failed, by budding on the same 

 stock again. Fresh stocks are better in every way, and 

 briar cuttings whose buds have failed will not form 

 good dwarf standard stocks for the next year, though I 

 have often tried them. 



Bamboos are now the best stakes and supports, at all 

 events of a temporary nature. Budded stocks of man- 

 etti, briar cuttings and seedlings should have fairly 

 strong bamboos, of length according to the growth 

 expected of the Rose, driven firmly in beside them, and 

 securely tied to the small portion of stem left of the 

 cuttings, and to the root if possible of the seedlings. 

 Without this tie, if the bamboo receives a blow or a 

 push, the Rose shoot fastened to it may be pulled out. 

 The stake should not be behind the stock, that is, on 



