January 3, 18M. 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER, 
15 
Year will dawa to-morrow with more hopeful auguries than it has been 
our lot to chronicle since the calamitous crisis which darkened the close 
of 1890.” Anyone who is observant knows this for himself—and yet how 
has the N.R.S. done? Gone back in membership and financial position. 
What is the cause 1 That there is no “ go ” in it, that its local Secretaries 
and its management do not work in an intelligent way, and not in my 
view for its best advancement, and that their recent action to one of our 
most valued members and other blunders, such as that of the postpone¬ 
ment of the annual meeting, have only intensified the disgust felt by 
many. By whom was that annual meeting attended ? By thirty-seven 
persons, thirty-three of them on the Committee 1 
At one time no man was more enthusiastic to advance the Society’s 
interest than I was. I have proved my interest in a substantial 
manner. I would gladly give further proof of my interest in the 
Society as distinct from its management; but the action of the senior 
Secretary in securing the non-election of Mr. Machin to the Vice- 
Presidentship, on a plea of “ no room,” which he immediately stultified 
by proposing another member for the position, and the action of both 
Secretaries in regard to the Portsmouth Town Council, would drive all 
enthusiasm, or the interest remaining, out of me even if I could believe 
that their conduct when exposed, as it has now been by Mr. Jeans and 
” Gleaner,” meets with the approval of anyone who considers he takes 
the slightest interest in the well-being and progress of the National 
Rose Society.— Charles J. Geahame. 
The May Frost. 
The severe frost which did so much damage to rosarians about 
May 21st seemed at the time to call forth many inquiries as to what 
steps should be taken with the plants. Some growers recommended 
eutting the injured shoots off, others advised waiting until the trees 
had made a natural break, and then removing what was absolutely 
dead. 
Fortunately my Roses were only very slightly touched, and therefore 
I cannot speak with much personal experience ; but as many of my 
friends were badly hit, I was able to see how the two methods answered. 
The conclusion I arrived at was all in favour of the latter mode of 
treatment—viz., leaving the plants until they commenced to break of 
their own accord. This plan I know was not generally adopted, as Mr. 
Grahame, in your issue of June 7th, page 455, wrote that he had at once 
pruned away all frost-bitten shoots, and as he was supported by Mr. 
Lindsell he had the highest authority on his side. The specimens I saw 
which were cut back never seemed to recover until the autumn, but 
those left alone soon recommenced growing. Doubtless the severe 
pruning was too great a shock to the plants after the great check they 
had received from the frost. 
We, of course, all hope that such a disastrous visitation is not in store 
for us again next year ; but as there is frequently a sharp frost towards 
the end of May, I think many of your readers would like to know what 
to do if similarly situated. Perhaps some of our big growers will 
kindly give us the benefit of their experience and advice ?—R. M. D. 
Analysing the Analysis. 
Although rival queens have entered Flora’s kingdom the recent 
discussion—the analysing of the analysis—plainly shows that Rosa 
regina is par excellence the Queen of Hearts. A rosy subject is apt to 
resolve itself into a thorny one. Yet it is pleasing to observe in the 
varied criticism of the analysis, that the labour entailed in its con¬ 
struction has not been overlooked. As one afar off taking a distant— 
mayhap a broader—view of the question, I may be permitted to present 
as aspect of it possibly not apparent at close quarters. 
Some measure of credit being allowed to the labour side, it may also 
be added that “ E. M.” has shown a liberal spirit in laying bare his 
analysis to the skeleton : although, to him, it must have been a foregone 
conclusion that in doing so he exposed himself to sharper criticism than 
when submitting the body in toto. He has shown how the summing up 
was arrived at. Others have defined the methods they would employ, 
and what is the result of this dual arithmetic? Practically, the 
difference consists in that obtaining betwixt six and half a dozen. From 
the very nature of this, or any subject so elastic as these we have to 
deal with, considerable margin must be allowed. It is impossible to 
arrive at that accurate computation obtainable from mathematical data. 
In our subjects natural forces are ever present with their tendency to 
upset man’s calculations. Such being the case we have no basis so 
firmly fixed but what is capable of being swayed by individual opinion. 
That we want the truth goes without saying. Failing that we must 
fain be content with the nearest possible approach to it. 
All will allow the educational value of an analysis. It is its birth¬ 
right. It may also be conceded that criticism, conducted on the lines 
that this has been, is only secondary to it in value and importance. 
The disputatious points which have arisen appear to have sprung more 
from the method of compilation than from the results obtained. It is 
obvious that these gentlemen who have analysed the analysis are, by 
reason of their ability to do so, so happily situated as to least require the 
knowledge it is intended to convey. Yet they will not, I am sure, 
hastily overlook the fact, that behind them is the great mass of Rose 
lovers also seeking the truth. That these were catered for by Mr. 
Mawley in preparing his analysis appears to contain the gist of the 
whole question. Strong meat is doubtless suitable for giants, yet I 
think that “ E. M.” taking a comprehensive view, pro bono publico, 
endeavoured to present his dish in that form best suited to the digestive 
powers of men of less calibre, though as keenly interested. 
“ W. R. Raillem’s ” happily expressed metaphor (page 536) in the 
“cup that cheers” is to the point from that point of view. Sugar at 
discretion for those who are discreet. These are experts able by force 
of superior knowledge to clothe the naked truth in rational dress. Yet 
not so with all. Younger people cannot claim the prerogative of their 
elders. Hence Mr. Mawley in sugaring for them has sacrificed the 
cultivated tastes of the few to the requirements of the many.—E. K. 
DE8MODIUM PENDULIFLORUM.i 
A plant far too seldom seen in English gardens is that depicted by 
the illustration (fig. 4). It forms in soils suited to its requirements, 
and these when in full flower have a singularly graceful appearance. 
FIQ., 4.—desmodium penduliflorum. 
The drooping character of the shoots is shown in the woodcut, and a 
large specimen laden with its bright purplish crimson flowers has a 
charming effect. ^_ 
FAILURES IN FRUIT GROWING. 
Very many years ago I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Mechi of 
Tiptree Farm celebrity. As is well known he tried various experiments 
in farming, some turned out well and were of advantage to the farming 
public by way of putting fact over theory, others were failures. 
Talking with Mr. Mechi one day as to what people had to say about or 
of him he said, “ Yes, I know I have made mistakes like many 
others in what I have tried to do, but I have laid it all before the 
agricultural world. What was theory I made practice. It turned out 
w°rong, I lost by it, but the people were warned and thus profited by my 
loss. They ought rather to thank me than jeer at me, as some have, 
because I have tried to show what will pay and what will not.” 
I thought there was much truth in this, and I think so now. If a 
man tries methods of production under certain conditions, and he finds 
they fail and he loses, that man does a lasting good to the community 
