MEMORANDA FOR THE MONTH 271 



wise to give a munificent mulching to Roses of a 

 delicate constitution, planted out of doors — the little 

 Banksian, for example, the Noisettes and Tea-scented 

 Chinas, 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 tem- 

 pest, 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 

 plants in our Rose-gardens, and of the weakly bud, 

 perhaps the best we could obtain of some new 

 variety, or of some delicate 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 piti- 

 less winters as those of 1860-61, 1878-79, 1890-91, 

 1894-95 ; 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 idle- 

 ness. We may prepare 'tallies' for our trees and 

 cards for our cut flowers. We may repair and re- 



