MEMORANDA FOR THE MONTH 269 



ground intended for Rose-trees or stocks must be 

 thoroughly drained and trenched to receive them. 



Commence towards the end of this month the first 

 pruning of your Rose-trees, shortening by one-fourth 

 the longest shoots, and thus preventing the noxious 

 influence of those stormy winds, which would other- 

 wise loosen the hold which the tree has upon the soil, 

 and which sometimes decapitate the tree itself These 

 cuttings will strike, many of them (just as cuttings 

 from the Brier will strike), if put in, about 6 inches in 

 length and closely in some sheltered place — by a wall, 

 for example — looking north or west, and protected 

 by a hand-glass ; or they will strike, some of them, 

 without protection overhead, if planted in a like 

 situation, but deeper in the ground, 7 or 8 inches, 

 with two or three ^ eyes' above the soil. 



November 



is the best month for transplanting. Ah, how it 

 cheers the Rosarian's heart amid those dreary days, 

 to welcome that package from the nurseries, long and 

 heavy, so cleanly swathed in the new Russian mat, so 

 closely sewn with the thick white cord ! His eyes 

 glisten, like the schoolboy's when the hamper comes 

 from home, and hardly, though he has read the story 

 of Waste not^ Want not^ can he keep his knife from 

 the string. Let him plant his Rose-trees as soon as 



