294 APPENDIX. 



for example, the Noisettes and Tea-scented Chinas, on 

 their own roots, against our walls. Thus defended, we 

 shall feel less anxiety for them, when 



January 



shall bring storm and cruel frost. Though we see our 

 fair fleet scudding with bare poles in the tempest, we 

 shall know that below deck there is life and safety. We 

 must make up our minds to some losses among the old 

 and young, of the worn-out in our Rose-gardens, and 

 of the weakly bud, perhaps the best we could obtain of 

 some new variety, or of some dehcate Tea, among our 

 Briers; but, with our ground well drained, and our 

 Rose-trees well secured and mulched, we need not fear 

 for the hale and strong. Seldom come such pitiless 

 winters as those of 1860-61, 1878-79: and though to 

 a few feeble invalids the white snow may be a winding- 

 sheet, for the rest it is His shield and covering, who 

 giveth His snow like wool. Wherefore sweet memories 

 and happy hopes come to us musing at the fireside 

 upon our Roses. Nor need those hours be all hours of 

 idleness. We may prepare "tallies" for our trees and 

 cards for our cut flowers. We may repair and repaint 

 our boxes, sharpen our stakes for the budded Briers in 

 spring, and sharpen our wits, too, by studying the 

 chronicles of past Rose-shows, the manuals, and the 

 catalogues of our chief Rosarians. In 



