=Pruning Shrubs.=—Generally speaking, shrubs are pruned with little or no consideration as to whether they will be benefited by the operation. While symmetry and regularity of outline are to be admired in a shrub, these qualities should never be gained at the expense of natural grace and production of flowers. The judicious pruner will, therefore, aim at preserving the peculiar habit of each shrub as far as possible, while interfering but little with the production of flowers. The various species of Deutzia, Forsythia, Philadelphus and Weigela flower on the wood of the previous year’s growth; therefore such shrubs should be pruned immediately after the flowering season—say in June, but never in spring or winter—at least, if the production of flowers is to be taken into account. Again, the various species of Syringa, Spiræa, Lonicera and Hibiscus may safely be pruned during winter, the flowers being produced on the young wood; while _Hydrangea paniculata grandiflora_ must be severely pruned in early spring, for only by so doing will the greatest wealth of flowers be produced. _Chimonanthus fragrans_ should be pruned in February; while the various species of Ceanothus should not be touched till all danger of frost is past. _Kerria japonica_ should be pruned in autumn, when old wood may be cut away. All pruning operations should be carefully carried out with a sharp knife and not with the pruning shears, the point of amputation being always close to an eye or bud. Too severe pruning should be avoided, a judicious thinning out of the branches being far preferable to indiscriminate shearing and cutting back. =How and when to Prune.=—The latter part of May or beginning of June is undoubtedly the best season for pruning the majority of hard-wooded trees, as during that time the motion of the sap is most vigorous, and in consequence the wounds caused by amputation heal most quickly. There are a few exceptions—the birch, sycamore and maple—where, on account of profuse bleeding, pruning had best be postponed till after full foliage has been attained. Much mischief has been done by the pruning knife, and still more by the handbill and saw when placed in the hands of inexperienced workmen—a fact that is apparent to any interested person who visits various parts of the country. When conducted with care, on sound principles, the effect of pruning on the class of timber referred to is highly beneficial, whereas, when done in a haphazard way and by an inexperienced hand, it is often attended with great danger and grave results.