242 
THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST. 
[ November, 
while the strong-growing Hybrid Perpetuals, Noisettes, and Bourbons, are available 
in positions where a maximum height of G ft. suffices. The three latter groups,, 
however, offer fine varieties that will form well-furnished pillars more than 6 ft. 
high, and they bloom only by driblets after the first flowering; still, where it is 
desired to have flowers in the autumn, rather than in the summer, they may bo 
preferable, and they form by no means inelegant objects. 
Pillar Roses may be planted singly on lawns, in groups, or in avenues, and in 
the latter case, if the walk is of grass the effect is materially heightened. 
It is by no means difficult to form a Pillar Rose ; time and patience are the 
chief requisites. Choose from the nurseries the tallest and strongest plants, 
whether on their own roots or otherwise, and here, as elsewhere, be sure to obtain 
suitable sorts. This is a point of primary importance, and no amount of skill 
and patience will avail if it be neglected. 
After the plants are fairly set in the ground, some recommend cutting back 
the shoots to one or two eyes, to induce the formation of a few strong shoots the 
first year. I have no grave objections to urge against this practice, and if the 
roots have been inj ured or curtailed in removal I recommend it; but under other 
circumstances my experience is in favour of leaving the plant unpruned the first 
year, or at the most restricting the operation of pruning to the removal of the 
weak, misplaced, and ill-ripened wood. Tie up the shoots to a neat stake 
immediately after transplanting, and the first growth springing from the top 
will further extend the height of the plant. This completed, the second or 
summer growth will probably arise from eyes nearer the base hitherto dormant, 
and while the former were weak and short, terminated with flowers, the latter 
will be vigorous wood-shoots, available for forming the plant, and giving flowers 
the next year. Pruning and training are the principal means by which we expect 
to carry forward our operations with success; but manuring must not be 
neglected. Be it remembered that a Pillar Rose has more to support and develop 
than a dwarf or standard, and a liberal diet should be accorded to it. Manure 
twice annually, in February and in July ; and if convenient, water frequently 
with weak liquid manure in the growing season, especially in dry weather. 
But we have something to say on pruning and training. When the plant has 
been a year or more in the ground (in the spring of the second year) pruning is 
absolutely necessary. Cut all weak, ill-placed, and crowded shoots, and 
shorten back such as are indifferently ripened to the first solid eye, taking care 
not to lower the height of the plant more than is necessary in carrying out these 
principles. The well-placed and well-ripened shoots should be pruned sparingly 
or moderately, in no case severely. After pruning, tie the branches round the 
stake with willow-twigs or tar-twine. 
The operations of manuring, pruning, and tying, are to be repeated from year 
to year. About the third year the stake may be replaced by a small birch pole, 
with the snags left protruding some six inches from the sides, -which have a. 
