THE JOYOUS AET OF GARDENING 



the magnolia is encircled by the evergreen branches, standing 

 like arms stacked by soldiers. Then the branches are securely 

 tied together at the top, making the whole thing look like a 

 wigwam of fir. In the latitude of New York, both magnoKas 

 and rhododendrons ought certainly to stand the climate with- 

 out cosseting, but for imported rhododendrons and other for- 

 eigners whose hardiness is a bit doubtful a little tempering of 

 the wind for the first few winters is advisable. 



The winter protection of roses is almost another story. 

 Climbing sorts which suffer may sometimes be laid down and 

 partly covered with earth; the soil should always be drawn up 

 around the stems; but it is better to have only those sorts 

 which are able to endure hardness. Roses should be covered 

 as late and uncovered as early as possible. In fact, the key- 

 note of winter protection, as of other forms of assisting those 

 not quite able to shift for themselves, is to aid if necessary, 

 but to give as little aid as possible. 



190 



