A PUPIL IN WORKING COSTUME, SCHOOL FOR LADY GARDENERS, GLYNDE, SUSSEX.

Photograph by Pictorial Agency.

GARDENING FOR
WOMEN

BY

THE HON. FRANCES WOLSELEY

PRINCIPAL OF THE GLYNDE SCHOOL FOR LADY GARDENERS IN SUSSEX

WITH THIRTY-TWO ILLUSTRATIONS

CASSELL AND COMPANY, LIMITED

London, Paris, New York, Toronto and Melbourne
1908

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

CONTENTS

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

INTRODUCTION

How often it is that Fate places us amongst people whose characters, pursuits, and tastes we do not know! We hesitate how best to melt that barrier of icy reserve and shyness behind which we English remain frozen. How can we speedily break through the reserve which rises up between us and the stranger near us? There is at least one subject of conversation which usually calls forth a response—it is gardening.

Whether our neighbour be politician, soldier, architect, or painter, he will surely listen with interest to the mention of a garden. He will tell us of some newly-discovered plant, a flower show that he went to see, or he will expatiate upon the beauties of South African bulbs. We may be sure that if he himself is no gardener, he has someone dear to him who is a lover of flowers. After a hard day’s work in the City, he will gladly turn his thoughts to the peace and quiet of a walled-in country garden, where the hum of bees and the scent of sweet briar or rosemary bring happiness and contentment.

It is the same with country people, who live in our quiet English villages that are as yet unspoilt by the dust of motors and the noise of holiday-makers. A little chat over the garden wall in the cool of evening, about the luxuriant growth of the peas, the beauty of madonna lilies gleaming white against the dark timber of the cottage, or the special size of this year’s roses, will often make a lasting friendship. No make-believe pastime is gardening with them; it is their true recreation. Their lives have been passed amidst fields, trees, beautiful hedgerows, and consequently they look upon these objects as friends. Surely this love of Nature is wholesome both to body and mind, and greatly to be encouraged by all who wish for the well-being of England and her Colonies.

Are we not shown the vast importance of keeping our rural population away from towns? Do we not thus endeavour with every means in our power to improve the cultivation of our land? County Council lectures, flower shows, cottage-garden competitions, Nature-study courses, training colleges are provided for this purpose. But, perhaps, the surest way of all is to make our boys and girls fond of bee-keeping, fruit growing, gardening and all other industries of country life. It is with them that future success lies, and by teaching them to tend small gardens of their own, and compete for prizes in tidiness and artistic arrangement of flower plots, we shall continue a love for the country in future generations. To keep them away from the gloom, squalor, and temptations of large towns is what we all wish to achieve. Well-tilled, wisely-worked farms, orchards, gardens, bring us prosperity; but we gain a love of Nature, too, from contact with such things. This must soften people. It brings us nearer God.

“A garden is a lovesome thing, God wot!

Rose plot,

Fringed pool,

Ferned grot—

The veriest school

Of peace; and yet the fool

Contends that God is not—

Not God! in gardens! when the eve is cool?

Nay, but I have a sign;

’Tis very sure God walks in mine.”[1]

[1] From “My Garden,” one of the collected poems of T. E. Brown. By kind permission of Messrs. Macmillan and Co.

It is not alone amongst our village people that we hope for steady development in the cultivation of our soil. They unconsciously assimilate much from what they see carried out in the vicarage garden, the manor-house orchard, and the large park. These must set the example both in tidiness, artistic arrangement, and well-grown produce. Education in taste, as well as scientific knowledge, is required for the heads of these gardens. We know that in Japan gardening and flower arrangement have attained wonderful perfection. There it is necessary to learn for seven years before a requisite amount of skill is acquired. Not only are artistic effects studied, but flowers are used as modes of expression. Different colours and combinations convey distinct meanings.

Surely we Western races should also look upon a garden as of the same artistic value as a beautiful picture, or a many-coloured, skilfully wrought piece of embroidery? In short, so ancient a craft should be as intelligently and carefully studied as any Fine Art. A garden is a living picture. The painter having found a subject, studies each detail. Surroundings, background, the position it should occupy upon the canvas, what portion is to be accurately depicted, which objects are to be omitted or only faintly indicated: all these points are considered before he takes up his brush. A gardener must do likewise. Sometimes, when ground is not yet laid out, he must do more. He then has to think some years ahead and imagine what this bare piece of meadow will be when plants have grown in it. The lay of the land, the character of the soil, the relation of the house with the garden—all have to be weighed before planting is commenced. Therefore, our gardeners must be artists as well as successful cultivators of plants.

True gardening gives scope for much sympathy and feeling. There is a soft repose in grey and pale pink. An arbour with such colouring invites thoughtfulness, quiet contemplation; whereas orange or bright yellow may, in some sad moments, be obtrusive, or jar upon our feelings. A brilliant bed of scarlet poppies, if put in the right natural surroundings, are gay with joie de vivre, whilst gentle pansies appear to look with melting human kindness as they raise their little faces appealingly towards us. Good effects have been gained by planting large, bold clumps of Pampas grass in empty spaces. The situation must be very carefully selected or it is apt to strike a discord. In the solemn graveyard it soothes; the waving plumes seem to bow down in sympathy with the mourners.

A real artist gardener not only has aptitude for placing right lines, and forming rich, telling colour effects, but he also understands the personality of flowers, the sentiments of colours and scent. A painter’s instinct tells him where the varied colours of a mixed border are allowable, and how elsewhere a touch of strong, brilliant colour is wanted to lead again to a shaded path of mystery.

In order to successfully accomplish this Fine Art gardening, which we in England are now ambitious to have, artistic, well-educated, refined head gardeners are needed. From our Colonies, too, comes a cry for skilled and well-instructed “heads.” There they have plenty of hands to do mechanical work, numbers of “coolies” to do menial jobs, but they want more intelligent directors and guides to industry. Again, in our schools, we require for the children those who sympathise with school garden work and Nature-study.

These, then, are the ambitions of lady gardeners. They do not wish to supplant able, clever men head-gardeners, nor even to compete with them. They do desire, however, to assist as far as their strength allows, by lending intelligence, good taste, refinement, towards securing better cultivation of our great country. What they lack in physical strength they endeavour to compensate by other equally important, yet softer, womanly qualities.

This book has two objects in view. It hopes, by means of practical advice—in fact, by some it may be considered somewhat Spartan counsel—to draw attention to what is required of lady gardeners. The other aim is to show employers what would be gained by appointing them; at the same time to disarm any mistaken illusion which may have arisen that ladies wish to supplant men gardeners. They merely intend to supplement and increase the good work which men are doing for our land.

GARDENING FOR WOMEN

Part I

CHAPTER I
GARDENING AS A PROFESSION FOR WOMEN

Daughters of many professional men are obliged to earn a living. It often happens that the head of the family, after years of hard work, has to retire owing either to illness or age. His pension is a small one, and it becomes necessary for his daughters, as well as his sons, to make a career for themselves. They have been accustomed, perhaps, to a comfortable home, with a considerable number of luxuries, and the question as to the best method of earning a living must necessarily be a difficult one. In this connection it is, I hope, pardonable to quote a passage from Mrs. Creighton’s recent article upon women’s education, which created great interest among those concerned with the welfare of young women. She wrote:—“It is tolerably well agreed what men should be; but social conditions which produce a preponderance of the female population and make it impossible for some women, however much they may desire it, to be married, are inconvenient and disturbing to the views of most men.

“The existence of women who, whether they like it or not, are bound to work for their livelihood, is, as a rule, only unwillingly recognised as an exception; the existence of women who claim to have a life of their own is still more upsetting to all ideas of a well-constituted universe.”

A somewhat mistaken idea is sometimes held that women who are obliged to follow a definite career are less likely to marry than their sisters who remain at home in quiet surroundings. It is often found, however, that of the daughters, say, of a country clergyman living in some remote corner of England, it is those out in the world as secretaries, companions, or gardeners who do marry. Not only has a wider sphere of life brought them friends, but their knowledge of the world has taught them how to keep them. They have larger interests, broader views, and are therefore happier than their sisters, who remain at home in village surroundings. They should, too, be better helpmates to men leading active lives. If they are sensible, wise, good women, they should not lose by contact with people of different types any of that gentleness and softness which are the chief attractions of a woman.

The choice of a career depends largely upon the character and bringing up of a girl. Unless she is fond of out-of-door life, however, she must not think of becoming a gardener, and she will probably find that her parents look somewhat critically upon this profession. They have an uncomfortable feeling that the head of a private garden is only a kind of servant, and in market, jobbing, or landscape gardening they see a life of constant digging and delving; a struggle to compete with the strength of a working man. The disadvantages—many days of rain and wind, early rising, disagreeable menial jobs—all assume larger proportions to them than the benefits that are to be derived. Parents are perfectly right to point out all these drawbacks to their daughter. They should be fully realised and weighed before she embarks upon such a career. Professional gardening is no child’s play. It means at least three years of diligent study and hard work before any considerable remuneration can be sought.

Let the girl who is leaving college carefully view all sides of the question, and, above all, let her wait until she is twenty before she takes any decisive step. Having reached years of discretion, and being full grown and strong in health, the advantages of a gardener’s life will probably attract her. If, during her childhood, she has had the care of a plot of ground in the home garden, or has had bees or poultry under her charge, it will be pain and grief to her to leave these pursuits and live in the confinement of a town. The thought of a stuffy London typewriting office, and the long, dark evenings in cheap lodgings, will be repulsive to her. She will miss the wide, open stretches of sky, the coming and going of the seasons. How she will long for a sight of cowslips in the meadows and the fresh, sweet scent of gorse. Perhaps, if she is a governess or companion, she may live in the country and have all these pleasures, but will she fully relish them if she has no freedom? Her evenings may possibly not be her own, and during the day, too, she will have to accommodate her wishes to those of others. The well-known lines of Richard Jefferies will constantly recur to her, and she will see the wisdom of them. “Let us be always out of doors among trees and grass and rain and wind and sun. Let us get out of these indoor, narrow, modern days, whose twelve hours somehow have become shortened, into the sunlight and the pure wind. A something that the ancients called divine can be found and felt there still.”

THE “WALLED GARDEN” AT THE HOUSE OF F.M. VISCOUNT WOLSELEY, K.P.

THE ROSES WERE PLANTED AND PRUNED BY THE LADY GARDENERS.

Photograph by Pictorial Agency.

The profession of gardening offers a considerable amount of freedom, the refining influence of poetry and beauty, contact with intelligent, interesting people, and health and happiness to body and mind. These, to an active, out-of-door, young woman are very great advantages. Then, too, there are different branches of the profession, so that a selection is possible as to which best suits her talents. Should she be fond of teaching, she can hold classes in Nature Study or botany; if she has taste and talent for drawing, she can take up landscape gardening. With a small amount of capital to invest, she may start a market garden, with every prospect of success.

There are, too, the higher branches of horticulture, such as the treatment of rare greenhouse plants, hybridisation, cross-fertilisation, and the handling of orchids. All these intensely interesting, intellectual matters require such dainty skill, so much thought, that there is no doubt whatever they are suited to ladies. Many who practise in these branches employ women to execute the minute operations that are so often entailed, because their light touch is better adapted to the purpose than the heavy hand of a man. Few women have up to the present studied long enough to surpass men in these matters, but there is a certain future for them in such work if they persevere in study.

It must be borne in mind that horticulture is still a comparatively new profession for women, and that unless those who enter it strive to give full time and application to learning its details they cannot hope to be successful. Some few failures have occurred already, much to the regret of all keenly interested onlookers. These have been caused by anxiety to earn something before proficient knowledge had been acquired. It is the same, I believe, in all new professions; and it is only now, after many years of striving, that women have attained success as sick nurses, secretaries, and teachers. The first who went into the arena made mistakes, and possibly paved the way for their successors, who noted the causes of failure, and mended their ways. Let us hope that this will be the case in horticulture, for there is no reason why women should not succeed in it. Moreover, we have already some brilliant examples of success. Those who are thinking of taking it up should spare no pains to gain a complete education, for only then, when they are themselves worth something, can they expect remuneration.

CHAPTER II
THE TRAINING REQUIRED

There are various ways of obtaining the necessary training to be a lady gardener. Both at home and abroad numerous colleges and schools exist where young women are well instructed in all branches of Horticulture. A college course is necessary, but if a girl is not more than twenty years of age (and it is advisable that she should not be much younger when she commences her training) it will help her to be apprenticed for a year or two first in a private garden. Should she prefer, it will be better still to spend two years at a small school where instruction is more individual and personal than in a large college. Here the students are few in number, and carefully selected, and it is possible to learn in the same way that the working man learned, when he began as a garden boy. The pupil will be ordered to do menial jobs, such as turning manure, wheeling refuse, sweeping leaves, or mowing a lawn. This comparative drudgery must be gone through in order to understand how to direct others. Even wheeling a barrow full of soil and washing out pots is interesting if the heart be in the profession and there is the wish to succeed.

In a private garden or small school, too, it will be possible to follow the ultimate use the pots are put to, after they are washed, and the reason for each operation will be more easily made apparent than is the case in a large college, where lectures and theoretical classes are sometimes put before practice. When there is a large number of students, too, it is impossible that all should take part in each operation. Personal interest in the garden is apt to be lost sight of, and teaching becomes a “demonstration,” where the expert does the work, and the students look on. They cannot thus learn in the only thorough way, by working themselves.

In a college course, hours are often suited to the requirements of expert lecturers, and students are apt to ignore the fixed hours of work observed in a private garden. I have known students to whom it never occurred that it might not be agreeable to the family to hear the sound of raking on a gravel path outside the breakfast room, and who were unconscious of its being an offence against garden etiquette for them to shout remarks to fellow students across the flower beds. Then, too, fixed school holidays, which are necessary in large communities, sometimes interfere with the possibility of seeing certain operations performed.

I therefore strongly advocate a course of manual work, like that of the garden boy, as an introduction to more serious training. This routine work will enable the pupil to understand college lectures, when the time comes to attend them. Theoretic teaching can then be applied to the treatment of soil and plants.

Not possessed of the strength and facility for manual work of a man, the girl student must make up for this deficiency by intelligent reasoning. She should follow closely in the footsteps of science, and have a reason for each operation. What is heard in the chemistry laboratory has to be applied in practice in the garden. When the dismal herbaceous border, upon which so much money has been spent, is seen, the cause of failure will be known. After all the talk, trouble and expense, why does it lack colour? Surely some ingredient in the soil is missing—dress it with lime, put more manure or leaf mould, as the case may be.

I believe that some people imagine that a lady gardener is intended always to remain at work amongst the swept-up leaves and garden refuse! But if her intelligence is not sufficient to make her soar speedily beyond the powers of a £1 a week man gardener, she had better take up other work, for she certainly cannot compete with him in physical strength.

A course of study for two or three years, such as I have described, is certainly not too lengthy. Each plant, shrub, tree, goes through the same phases once in each year. Although these processes are repeated year after year, they may be subjected to variations of weather and temperature. Different treatment is probably necessary each year. Time only can show this. Books teach much and so also do lectures, but only when supplemented by practical experience, will they make a competent gardener.

The intending girl-gardener should make up her mind from the beginning that she must spend money on a three years’ course of training. It should be taken in the way that best suits the individual case; there need never be regret for the money spent upon it. It is only by skill and knowledge that employment will eventually be secured.

Therefore the beginner should do some practical work in a garden, and cram botany, chemistry, and physics into her head. When she has a free day, or if other opportunity occurs, visits should be made to other gardens. Then it will be possible to learn the names and habits of new plants, and, by studying a different treatment of them, the powers of observation will be increased.

After college training an effort should be made to get a subordinate paid post, for whatever branch of Horticulture it is decided to specialise in. No attempt should be made to superintend a large garden until, as they say of children, the student has learned “to feel her feet.”

I propose to give a short account of the different branches available from which a selection can be made. It will be convenient to divide them into two classes:—

A. Which require training and education only:—

I.—Landscape Gardening.

II.—Jobbing Gardening.

III.—Head gardener in a private garden.

B. Which requires capital as well as training and education:—

Market Gardening.

CHAPTER III
LANDSCAPE GARDENING

This wide field of study is one which women are well suited to, provided they have brains and good taste. In order to be really successful, imagination is required, as well as other qualities that are needed by an ordinary head gardener. No amount of study or training can adapt an inartistic woman to this profession, but given artistic feeling, the power of conveying her ideas to her employers and to those working for her, great possibilities are within reach. Many fail, perhaps, by a headstrong desire to carry out their own plans; they do not regard sufficiently the views and wishes of those for whom they work. A considerable amount of tact is necessary, in order to obtain the confidence of the owner of the garden. Having ascertained his requirements, and made these the centre of the scheme, the woman-gardener’s imagination should help to fill in all details.

MODEL BY MISS A. C. SEWELL OF A CHILDREN’S GARDEN, EXHIBITED AT THE WHITECHAPEL COUNTRY IN TOWN EXHIBITION.

ILLUSTRATION OF WHAT CAN BE SHOWN OF A GARDEN BY MEANS OF A MODEL.

Photograph by Clarke and Hyde.

I assume that the candidate for such a position has had a good general education, and is well grounded in botany and botanical geography. It is necessary that she should be able to draw, and a knowledge of simple plane geometry and geometrical drawing is essential. She must be able to make a sketch plan showing the proposed alterations with their measurements. In some cases, where the employer is not himself a draughtsman or does not read a ground plan easily, the lady gardener may find it useful to have recourse to a different system for conveying her meaning to him.

I have seen a rough model made in cardboard to represent the house, and real soil used to surround it, with little twigs placed here and there in imitation of trees or hedges. This is a somewhat childish means of experimenting upon future alterations, but in cases where the owner is undecided or unable completely to grasp the effect which will be attained by moving soil, or planting trees, the model may be exceedingly useful. The soil can be so easily shifted from side to side with the hands, a tree planted here, a dividing hedge placed there, until the desired effect is attained. Then, too, it may convey well to the contractor (who possibly undertakes the whole alteration) the exact amount of labour that he will have to expend.

Another way of conveying ideas for proposed alterations is by means of a “prophetic drawing.” That is to say, if a rose arbour is to be made, a sketch, with finished details of what it should look like two years hence, when the roses have climbed to the summit of the pergola, may influence the owner in his decision to put the matter in hand. It is important that all these methods of conveying intentions should be studied.

A slight acquaintance with geology will be useful in forming rock work. Most of these subjects, together with surveying, can be learnt at a Municipal School, but the more thoroughly they are acquired the better.

Methodical habits are essential. So many women, compelled to earn a living, fail in this. They do not note expenses carefully; they are not business-like in rendering an account of wages paid out; and they do not trouble to obtain estimates of work to be done. The education of women is much at fault in these respects, but certainly, until this lack of business qualities is replaced by methodical ways, we shall be considered the reverse of helpful.

It will greatly assist the young gardener if visits are paid to many gardens, both private ones as well as market gardens. Small cottage gardens or wayside hedgerows should not be despised; much can be learnt by looking at both. The plants that are natural to the climate and soil are at once detected in this way, and knowledge is obtained as to what will most speedily lend itself to an effect of foliage or colour. Often, the chance arrangement of a large mass of gypsophila with bright coloured nasturtiums interwoven with its feathery flowers, or pansies springing up between an old paved path, may give ideas for a large garden. The “Traveller’s Joy,” and blackberries, that grow so rampantly on chalk, will make a pergola look clothed before a rarer plant could grow three feet up it.

If possible, a trip abroad should be taken; it would give fresh ideas, if the fields of mauve autumn crocuses in France, or the terraces and vineyards of Italy, could be seen. There are so many different ways of building pergolas, training creepers, and tying vines to posts. If we adopt some of these foreign styles in England it gives a touch of Italy to our tame English gardens. Copious notes should be made of all that is seen, and the knowledge thus acquired can be readily applied to designs for gardens here.

All books on landscape gardening, new and old, must be studied; many old-fashioned plans of mazes and beds can so easily be used or adapted to modern grounds, and with some knowledge of architecture, it will be easy to place the right design near a house.

All gardens must be chiefly considered with a view to improving the appearance of the house. This must be the starting point and first consideration. Planting specimen trees and lovely plants is of secondary moment. No school or college can teach good taste; some people will learn it instinctively, others will never acquire it. With constant observation and copious notes, artistic feeling in gardening may certainly be increased. It will be helpful to know the habits, mode of growth, etc., of trees, shrubs, and garden plants. Their time of flowering, and appearance, are more important matters for consideration than the actual ability to grow them. A head gardener can cultivate them, when the broad effects of colour have been planned and decided upon.

As much knowledge as possible must be gained concerning soils, manures, road making, draining, pond making, levelling, embanking, and there must be the ability roughly to calculate the cost of such operations. By apprenticeship, or by going to watch someone who is making large and extensive alterations, much can be learnt. Facility is acquired in estimating the time that is taken in carting soil, or loading manure, by watching a large staff of men at work; experience can thus be gained as to the best method to map out work. It is so essential to save labour and untidiness. A job that has to be done twice over is distressing to all concerned. The organisation of work can only be arrived at by planning out each detail beforehand, and orders can at once be given as to where the excavated soil is to be placed so that it may, at a future time, be handy for a further development of the plan.

We are considering this branch of gardening as one that may be gone in for without capital. When the training is completed it will be best to advertise for work. The terms for paying a preliminary visit and giving general advice should be stated. After this, should an understanding with an employer be arrived at, the further charges will depend upon the way in which the work has to be carried out. Perhaps it may only be necessary to pay an occasional visit to the scene of operations and see how the head gardener is executing his orders. In this case a guinea or more a visit would be the remuneration. It may answer the purpose better to obtain the services of a local contractor, and having explained the whole plan carefully to him, let him quote a price for the fulfilment of the contract. The fees would then be so much per cent. upon the total.

Under all circumstances it will be necessary to deal tactfully with the men who do the work. The ideal way of carrying out landscape gardening would be to have a staff of permanent workmen, who would accompany the landscape gardener to the various gardens, and carry out her directions. How much more quickly things would often go, if she had her own men to rely upon. As this, however, means capital, it should not be considered here, and stress can only be laid upon the necessity for making orders concise and clear, and studying the characters of the various workpeople, so as to succeed in obtaining the largest value possible out of their services. The power of interesting them in their work is a useful adjunct. Often a friendly word, or placing some slight responsibility upon a workman, will double the amount he tries to do.

At first it will be difficult to obtain work. Any successful plans that are carried out gratis for friends are sure to lead to further employment, and each good thing achieved will bring other opportunities. Should there still be time on hand, perhaps an architect may be found who is willing to secure the help of a well-trained garden designer.

No fixed rules for obtaining employment can be laid down. Ambition and keen desire to get on will steer best to the right channel for seeking work. Several municipal authorities are willing to employ women as landscape gardeners. Should it be possible for women to make a success of private garden designs, it would surely help towards their appointment to larger spheres of landscape garden work. The laying out of parks, squares, and garden cities could be handed over to them, and what a large source of interest this would be.

It is unfortunate that we in England attach so little importance to the study of forestry. In none of our agricultural colleges is it taught in the same thorough way as in Germany. A great future might be open to a lady who studied this subject. It might be possible to induce a consulting forester in England, Scotland, or, better still, in Germany, to take a pupil. This subject, if fully mastered, would be of the greatest use in carrying out large alterations in public parks or private grounds.

To any lady with a love of nature, the possession of taste, and possibly the wish to improve and add to the beauty of our English country homes, this branch of gardening will greatly appeal. What a pleasurable sensation it is to see a lovely picture growing daily more like the plan that was roughly sketched out. How satisfactory to watch the building up of that stately terrace beneath the house, which puts the finishing touch to the beauty of the building itself. Without a terrace, the house would appear insignificant and poor—now it seems to have grown in dignity and stateliness. What pleasant days, too, can be spent in noting the happy results of garden-making, such as we see in the great yew trees of Levens, the grand Avenues of Le Nôtre, at Versailles, or the clever grouping of trees in many an English park. Here we, who come some two hundred years after, reap the full benefit of what then had the appearance only of a flat field dotted with stiff little baby trees. We can follow the old plans and ideas, but by using quicker growing materials it is possible to develop a picture under our eyes.

THE HANGING GARDENS, RATTON PARK, SUSSEX.

LAID OUT BY THE HON. MRS. FREEMAN-THOMAS.

Photograph by Pictorial Agency.

CHAPTER IV
JOBBING GARDENING AND FLORAL DECORATION

Often, as we drive through London suburbs, we see remains of some former stately Georgian house. Perhaps, a hundred and fifty years ago, when it was built, it stood isolated, with only a quiet country village near by. In the gardens were hedges of rosemary and lavender, fruitful pear trees were trained upon high walls, a slender little lady in a flowered brocade made sweet pot pourri with pink rose leaves. All that now remains of the garden is a small Adams summer house, built up into the wall, having a quaint shaped Dutch roof. A charming outlook it was when “My Lady” watched for “My Lord” riding home from London. All that now brings to us a touch of romance is the undisturbed yew hedge and a few box-edged formal beds. The garden has been divided off into villa plots.

Everywhere these villas spring up. We see long roads of them in each suburb; in seaside towns, watering places, and golfing centres we find them too. Each house has a garden, which is not necessarily large enough to supply the family with vegetables, but usually a small, level lawn is contrived for tennis or croquet; and a small portion near the road is kept gay with flowers. It is amusing, as we walk along, to compare taste in gardening at Clarence House with that displayed next door at Highclere Villa; to note how preferable is the natural arrangement of well-grown tea-roses in one, to the star-shaped beds of stiff geraniums in another.

Who looks after these small gardens? Often an uneducated working man, whose chief idea is to keep them tidy. This is commendable, but tidiness is not the only pleasurable feature of a garden. To plan successful combinations of colour really brings happiness, to have means of tending little bits of tender, precious plants, gifts of friends, is what contents us. It would help many owners of such gardens to hand them over to the care of a lady. The size of the piece of ground is not too much for her to look after, the work is not arduous. In fact, she can limit her work to a given number of days a week, or even half days.

This kind of jobbing gardening, although well paid, would only content those who are obliged to live at home and require some light garden work, after their course of training is completed. It is remunerative, very little responsibility is entailed, and, to a certain extent, it is possible to combine it with home duties. The interest of it need not be restricted to the actual manual labour of mowing and rolling the small lawn and planting out seedlings. A small greenhouse is perhaps attached, and pleasant social intercourse may be had, if the owner is also interested in gardening.

To those who are ambitious for a wider scope to their capacity, this kind of jobbing gardening will be insufficient. If they have a little capital and some experience, it will well repay them to start a small nursery garden and not only supply labour for these villa gardens, but also sell plants to them. Some business capacity is necessary, but if, in addition, strong, healthy plants are raised, there is no limit to the possibilities of such a business. Should friends combine in such an undertaking, it can be worked without assistance from working men. If, however, as is very likely to occur, the staff of lady assistants is called upon to give advice in laying out small gardens, arranging plants in window boxes, decorating rooms for concerts, dances, etc., men would have to be employed to do the heavy work. The planning, organising, and directing is what ladies should excel in.

By procuring large instalments of bulbs, raising quantities of perennials from seed, keeping up a plentiful supply of bedding-out plants on their own land, a satisfactory effect can be produced in many villa gardens at comparatively small cost. For a fixed sum per annum the jobbing gardener could undertake to keep in good order, plant and tend all in each small garden. It is easily estimated that this kind of work becomes, after the first outlay, exceedingly remunerative and interesting. There is employment for old and young, strong and delicate; a happy combination of interests and tastes is what should perhaps be most sought for by the staff of ladies in such an enterprise. Secretarial work, planning tempting price lists, would fall to the lot of one, whilst landscape gardening would belong to another.

In all branches of horticulture the remuneration to be obtained by a lady should not be less than that earned by a man. She is indeed entitled to receive even more than a man head gardener, as compensation for her superior taste and good education. The particulars which I am able to give of Mrs. Chamberlain’s work on p. 257 show how large a sphere can be covered by jobbing gardening, and in Miss Agar’s account (p. 253) will be found particulars of the remuneration that can be usually claimed by a lady expert.

Floral decoration may be combined with jobbing gardening, or it may be undertaken apart from any other interests.

All will agree that the work of arranging flowers is undoubtedly suited to ladies. It needs good taste, an eye for colour, lightness of touch and great patience. These qualities are possessed by most young gentlewomen, but if they are not natural to them, practice will, as a rule, teach sufficient for the execution of the mechanical part of the work. The preliminary stage of training is perhaps least tempting, for it involves long, tiring hours, spent in a hot, unrestful florist’s shop. It will be found best to serve an apprenticeship in this way for some months. Possibly the people met there are not very obliging or polished; often work has to be done under extreme pressure, as many orders have to be ready at the same moment, and the freshness of flowers has to be greatly considered. Bouquets, dinner-tables, all have to be postponed until the last safe moment. Consequently there remains but little time for enjoyment of completed work, and there is very scant appreciation. Work which has to be hurried is seldom pleasing. Being chiefly mechanical, however, it rapidly becomes easier to carry out the different orders, and then real enjoyment begins. The business becomes interesting to the novice when she is sufficiently trusted to exert her imagination, and make suggestions as to blending different flowers and foliage. From the moment when she comes into contact with those who give the order, that best incentive, personal interest, is aroused. As in the case of jobbing gardening, it is possible for a girl to live at home and yet have floral decoration as a daytime interest. This, too, is a saving.

The premium for acquiring experience is a heavy one. It varies according to the position and reputation of the florist’s shop, but it is never less than £15, and it often reaches £50. During the first year it is not usual to obtain a salary. There are exceptions to this rule, as will be seen on p. 257, in the account of the Women’s Gardening Association.

Only those who have tried it know what tiring work flower arrangement is, and only strong, able-bodied girls should contemplate such a profession. Success, as in all undertakings, comes after long perseverance and patience. The ideal method of carrying on this business is to have a nursery garden and raise suitable flowers in it to supply one’s own shop. It is then merely necessary to superintend, and give general ideas as to arrangement.

With thorough business habits and very good taste, there is no saying what sum might not be realised by a woman in this direction. Like millinery or dressmaking, it needs a combination of qualities, and is essentially a woman’s art.

CHAPTER V
THE TEACHING OF NATURE-STUDY

When, at Christmas time, we search the shelves of a London book shop, to find fresh “Golliwog” adventures or new fairy tales, are we not struck by the importance given to another class of child’s book? “The Fairchild Family,” “Struwelpeter,” Hans Andersen’s tales, books that we were brought up upon, are superseded by a totally new kind. Anything relating to living things, birds, mammals, plants, wild flowers, fruit, is what we now give our children. In short, nature-study, and everything connected with it, is the fashion. It forms not only an important part of education, but it also is recreation. Possibly we encourage it as a reversion from over-much science and book-learning, which is apt to produce a somewhat unhealthy, overstrained, nervous condition. The philosophy of the “Simple Life,” which is preached so much, is a reaction from these abnormal conditions to the natural, healthy order of existence.

Up to now, we stand only upon the threshold of these new ideas, we hardly realise the wealth and meaning of this new philosophy. We only know that a still greater use is in store for it, and that, through it, greater happiness will ensue for us. The right application of nature study and all that it embraces, to the education of children, is one of the most important developments of our day. All those who are ambitious for the prosperity of our future England should give very careful consideration to these matters. More and more we learn that the first endeavour of a school is to teach people to live. This new study tends to connect school teaching with life at home. By means of such schooling, our children acquire from earliest days habits of observation. They appreciate all wonders and beauties of natural objects around them. Lovely wild flowers on our downs, many grasses in our meadows, clouds, stars, all become real friends.

Obs:

the wild clematis.

Ther: reg. 70½°.

July 12^th

Obs: smut on oats.

It is a small black

powdery fungus.

Bar: reg: 30-1/20°

Ther: „ : 68°.

July 13^th

Obs a chrysalis of the horse bot fly.

Obs evening primrose in a hedge.

Bar: reg: 30-1/20°.

Ther: 91°s

74sh

A PAGE FROM A BOY’S NATURE STUDY SKETCH-BOOK.

A PUPIL OF MR. J. P. WILLIAMS. HURSTPIERPOINT, SUSSEX.

(See opposite Plate.)

Love of nature, which familiarity with her beauty breeds, is not only wholesome for children of the upper classes. It is good for them, but more especially do we need an increase of such knowledge amongst the poor little waifs and strays of our great cities and towns, who have so few bright moments in their dull grey lives. If these nature study classes can help them, should we not do our utmost to encourage more ladies to take up this form of study in order to impart it to them with sympathy?

Wild Clematis

Smut on Oats

Stag Beetle.

A PAGE FROM A BOY’S NATURE STUDY SKETCH-BOOK.

A PUPIL OF MR. J. P. WILLIAMS, of HURSTPIERPOINT, SUSSEX.

Then, too, in our country villages, is it not wise to foster in young people a love of everything connected with country life? Will it not help largely to induce them to remain on the land and not migrate to the hardships and squalor of crowded towns?

The two chief aims of education are to draw out individuality and personality. This is certainly accomplished with success when we see representations as are shown herewith from a child’s nature study diary.

We in England are sadly behind Germany and America in this branch of education. It is only a short time ago that children in our schools were encouraged to bring objects from out-of-doors into the schoolroom for examination. They were asked to make collections of lichen, ferns, or wild fruits; and what charming devices one has seen, wrought by ingenuity out of all these lovely things. Now, however, we have made a decided stride, for by means of school gardens, which gradually replace the dreary bit of asphalt playground, we go out to seek objects in their natural surroundings. Soon, teachers in our elementary schools, possessing the Froebel and kindergarten certificate and a Government teacher’s certificate, will doubtless be fired with ambition; will vie with each other in improving upon this system of education. We shall have others following the example of the late Miss Lucy R. Latter. She it was who did such good work in this respect as head infants’ mistress of the Invicta Road Council School, Westcombe Park. Having carefully studied the question in Italy, France, and the United States, she was given a commission by the Government of the Maharajah to start school gardens in connection with the public school system of Mysore. Teachers were prepared by her to carry on the work; and let us hope that, although gloom has been cast by her sudden death, they will yet have been inspired by her to continue their efforts.

There is no doubt that the school garden successfully developed is the pivot round which nature-study revolves, and as time goes on it will be seen more and more that gardening and nature-study have much in common. Those ladies who have talent for teaching, and have been through a course of gardening, will find many openings for work. A garden, although artificial, is far less so than a schoolroom, and it combines scope for general education, quite apart from mere manual horticultural teaching.

I am informed by one of the greatest authorities upon this subject that science mistresses do not exist in sufficient numbers to supply the demand for them. In this country it is a great recommendation for a woman to be able to teach nature-study, and there is no difficulty in the way of a post being obtained by one who possesses knowledge and who can impart it. As new training colleges and secondary girls’ schools are instituted, the demand will become greater, and it is in the realms of possibility that there may be women teachers of nature-study wanted in South Africa and in India, though Canada and Australia are capable of supplying all the teachers they want themselves.

Those who are interested in this subject will do well to read the Notes in the Swanley College and other reports in the second part of this volume.

CHAPTER VI
SOME HINTS UPON TAKING UP A POST AS HEAD GARDENER

I assume that a candidate for a position as head gardener has been through a two years’ course of study at one of the Horticultural Colleges or at a school, and has been under-gardener for a year or more in a private garden. No doubt she has learnt how to grow flowers, vegetables, and fruit, but it is possible that she does not know much about the routine work which she will now have to superintend. As principal of the Glynde School for Lady Gardeners, I have had to study this subject, and the following notes, some of which are compiled with the help of a former superintendent, Miss J. S. Turner, are offered for use.

A lady gardener is still somewhat of an experiment to owners of gardens, and, therefore, each one who takes up the work is, in a sense, the pioneer of a new profession for women; it rests with her to make or mar the success of future lady gardeners. If she is a failure, or does not give satisfaction, it may prevent other employers from engaging lady gardeners. This should not, however, be allowed to discourage or intimidate an applicant for such a post. There is no doubt that a lady, with superior education, tact and taste, should succeed where many men have failed. It must be borne in mind that the employer’s pleasure has to be studied, and that the men will have to be managed with firmness and strict fairness. Where these points are carried out intelligently, the success of an intensely interesting career is fairly secured.

If possible, it is advisable that the duties should commence at Michaelmas, which is the beginning of the agricultural and horticultural year. If a start is made in the spring, most of the praise or blame that ensues during the remainder of the horticultural year belongs by right to the previous gardener.

Autumn and winter are the seasons for laying a good foundation, for forming plans, and cleaning up. “Well begun is half done,” but it is more than “half done” in gardening. Unless the winter foundation is correctly laid, the summer superstructure will be wrong, or there is a chance of there being no structure at all.

The first thing for a lady “head” to do is to have a good look round. She must see what crops are still on the ground, what preparation has been made for winter and spring crops, and the state the houses and frames are in. Everything under her care must be clean and in good order.

Her aim is to fulfil all requirements of the family which she serves, and, in order to succeed, she must ascertain their wants. These vary with each family, and it is not possible to lay down any fixed rules. Many questions that will need answering should be noted down, and an interview should be requested of the lady of the house, or whoever is most interested in the garden.

I will only draw attention to a few points which need consideration, and these can either be decided by the gardener herself, should she be given a free hand, or settled by the employer.

(1) The hours of work and holidays for the garden staff. Arrangements should be made also for power to dismiss any subordinate who is lazy or misbehaves; and this should be acted upon without hesitation upon the first proof of neglect.

(2) The payment of men, and the number of extra ones allowed for additional work. In large gardens, this matter comes under the estate department, but in small gardens the head gardener deals with it.

THE COUNTESS BATHURST’S GARDEN, PINBURY, NEAR CIRENCESTER

Photograph by Pictorial Agency.

(3) The days and hours that will be most convenient for the despatch of routine work, such as mowing, tidying, etc. Some ladies have weekend parties, and require the place to look especially neat on Sundays. There may be small but necessary rules about sweeping and tidying the carriage drive, cleaning and washing garden steps or benches, the position of seats, tents, croquet hoops, marking tennis courts, etc. The employer’s wishes should be ascertained, orders given accordingly, and it should be seen that these are carried out.

(4) The days and hours for picking flowers for the house. If it is the gardener’s duty to arrange the cut flowers, this must be gone into carefully, as it is probably one of the most important matters in the eyes of the lady of the house. Should the family be in London, there will be fixed days for sending flowers, vegetables, and fruit to them; all these matters have to be carefully noted. The amount of green foliage required for mixing with cut flowers also varies with different people’s taste. It must be ascertained whether many pot plants are required in the sitting-rooms, or if cut flowers are chiefly used; and if so, which are the favourite kinds and colours. It will then be easy to decide which plot of ground should be used as a reserve garden for cut flowers, and what proportion of mignonette, violets, lilies of the valley, etc., will be needed for decoration.

(5) Another matter, which only the lady of the house can decide, will be the arrangements for bedding out, or the grouping and colouring required for herbaceous borders. If she has taste, and is artistic, it is necessary only to carry out her plans. Possibly she may leave the matter to the gardener; in which case visits should be made to a few neighbouring gardens to ascertain what plants and climbers are best suited to the climate and soil. Having put the plans on paper, an estimate can be formed of the quantity of bulbs, plants, shrubs, or climbers required for the whole garden. The autumn is the best time to order these. There remains then a further point upon which advice should be asked.

(6) The ordering of seeds, plants, tools, and garden requisites may be in the gardener’s department, or it may be managed by the estate. In any case, it will be a good plan to touch upon these matters to the employer. Unimportant as they may appear, it is wise for him to deal with local tradesmen, and, therefore, a stranger to the neighbourhood will have to learn their names, and what things they each excel in. The carting of purchases from the station to the garden is a matter for careful consideration. Should this be done by the estate, it must be borne in mind that, when the yearly accounts are sent in, the estate will wish to appear economical as regards its own requirements, and if the gardener is not on good terms with the agent or bailiff, it is possible that the total at the bottom of the garden expense column may be surprisingly large. My advice, therefore, is to make friends with the estate department. When pea boughs, and timber for rails are needed, when locks are to be repaired, or hinges fixed, it is good to have a friend at court.

(7) Occasionally matters are put under a gardener’s direction which can hardly be called garden work. The washing down of drains, cleaning away leaves from the roof gutters, brushing snow off the roof, emptying receptacles of refuse, burning waste paper from the house, may fall to a lady gardener’s lot. In any case, when specific duties are ascertained, no responsibility connected with them should be handed over to subordinates. Washing a drain down is not, perhaps, an especially elevating task, and it may be urged that any fool can do it. It will only be done, however, and well done, if the men know that a look-out is being kept for their neglect or carelessness. If they are sometimes unexpectedly watched it will be found that the work is well done, and instead of their thinking less of their “head,” they will respect her all the more.

If a holiday is asked for them sometimes, or a kind act is performed for their wives or children, they will work with a good will which should be encouraging to their chief.

It is not very probable that anyone, after only two or three years’ training, will soar at once to the height of being head gardener on an estate, or of having the direction of many labouring men. I have noted most of the points of importance for a start in the garden profession; they must be added to from experience as the ladder is mounted towards success.

I have not, so far, touched upon the main point for consideration, whether the garden be large or small. This is the vegetable garden. It will be necessary, without loss of time, to interview the cook, and ask what vegetables are most required.

“Different people, different opinions; some like apples, some like onions.” Do not grow what is not wanted. It is well to try and make friends with the cook, for if not, any failure in the vegetable course at dinner will be laid to the gardener’s door. They will be too young or too old, too tender or too tough, or it will be said that the cook has expressed an opinion that “no one couldn’t cook them vegetables which that there lady gardener sends in.” Therefore, spare no pains to be friends with the head of the kitchen, for success or failure may depend much upon her opinion. A few compliments upon her skill in cooking will be a good preliminary to any explanations that may have to be made in introducing a new vegetable to her notice. I have heard of a sad instance of the Mont d’Or butter beans that were given to the pigs “because they were yellow.” In this case, had the cook been interviewed beforehand, those lovely golden beans would not have been cast “like pearls before swine.” The requirements of houses as regards flowers and vegetables vary very much, and it will only be by asking advice of the lady and the cook that a gardener can guess at all what she is expected to send into the house. The first year will naturally be somewhat of an experiment in this respect, and it will be well to point out these difficulties to the employer, for fear he considers that there is either undue extravagance or too economical a saving of produce.

Having interviewed the cook, the next thing is to arrange the crops.

For an ordinary kitchen garden of one acre, the following should generally be ordered.

Cheap plants can be bought of these latter, and also marrows and cucumbers. If the garden is a small one, it will be more economical to do this than to raise them from seed. The above are ordinary vegetables; for special ones, such as cardoons, chicory, etc., a small packet of seed will be sufficient.

There are three vegetables not usually grown, but which are most useful. They are:—

Phœnix Kale.—Will stand the most severe winter, and the more it is cut in the late winter or spring, the more it will shoot.

Seakale Beet (not Spinach Beet).—Can be cut all the autumn. It will stand an ordinary winter, and will furnish another cut in spring when vegetables are scarce. It has a broader midrib than spinach beet, is perfectly white, and is cooked like seakale. The green blade can be used as spinach.

Couve Tronchuda.—Is used much in the same way as seakale beet. Cut the lower leaves first, and use the thick fleshy leaf-stalks; when the lower leaves are done, there still remains very good cabbage on the top. Sutton calls it “rather tender,” but it is not always necessary to protect it in winter.

It will be found useful to obtain a large chart of the vegetables usually grown, and the time of sowing, planting, and cutting. This can be obtained from the Stores (Book department).

If a rough plan of the garden can be obtained, it will be of help; if not, a copy book should be bought, and on one page a rough sketch made of each plot, with the length and breadth marked upon it. This need not necessarily be drawn to scale. Upon the opposite page should be put the crop which is on the ground. Probably someone can supply information as to what crop was previously there, and when the ground was last trenched and manured. Any notes that can be made in this respect will be useful. It is a good plan to divide the garden under cultivation roughly into four quarters, disregarding, for the moment, that part which is under permanent crops, such as asparagus, rhubarb, etc. By trenching and manuring one plot every year, it can be arranged for each quarter to have a good dressing at least once every four years.

Bastard trenching is generally better than trenching; and the more constantly the ground is stirred the better.

As farmyard manure is often scarce, and labour for thorough trenching is expensive or difficult to obtain, it will be found that doing a quarter of the ground each year is a sure way of getting it all under cultivation. This, and digging in the refuse, will supply the necessary humus. Between times dig as deep as possible and use artificial manure.

The reason for ascertaining the crops that have been grown before is to enable some sort of rotation to be practised. It is impossible, in gardening, to do this as perfectly as in agriculture, but there are a few things which it is well to bear in mind. The three fundamental rules are as follows:—

(1) Plants of the same natural order should not follow each other.

(2) Crops which have occupied the same ground for several years should be succeeded by others of short duration. This gives an opportunity for constantly stirring and cleaning the ground.

(3) Plants grown for their roots, or bulbs, should not be followed by others grown for the same purpose. Plants grown for their seeds should also not succeed each other.

THE YEW TREE AVENUE KNOWN AS “THE NUN’S WALK,” IN THE COUNTESS BATHURST’S GARDEN, PINBURY, NEAR CIRENCESTER.

Photograph by Pictorial Agency.

In a small garden, it is best to grow only early potatoes. Others can be bought as cheaply as they can be grown, and the space they would occupy is valuable. A piece of ground may be under early potatoes these should be cleared by the middle of June, when a sowing of peas can be made, selecting one of the early varieties for a late crop. When they come off, they can be followed by turnips, which are drawn off during the winter. In January the ground can be bastard trenched, but not manured. Let it lie fallow awhile; then put in carrots, parsnips, or beet. The order can be varied indefinitely, so long as the rules are followed, and the plot of ground kept well trenched, and manured every fourth year.

The next things to consider are the crops still on the ground, and those coming on. In a fairly well-managed garden late peas, runner beans, cauliflowers, and marrows all “in cut,” should still be found in the autumn. The runner beans and the marrows should bear until they are cut down by frost. Their bearing capacity can be prolonged by careful picking, by a mulch of well-rotted manure, or with a drenching of liquid manure, according to whether the season is wet or dry.

If there is likely to be a shortage of winter stuff, fully ripe marrows can be hung up in an airy place, and runner beans put down with salt. A breadth of celery should be found coming into use, and parsnips that will stand until they are required. The main crop of carrots and beet will still be there to store, and there should be a break of sprouts, kale, and other things to come in later. If the supply is likely to run short, it will not be too late to plant cabbage and colewort.

First then, clear off all crops that are over, such as peas, early cauliflower, and potatoes. Burn all this refuse, as well as the weeds, and return it to the ground. Keep on hoeing. If there is no winter spinach in, make a sowing at once, and also make a sowing of turnips.

October is the great storing month. Take up all beet, carrots, and parsnips; but artichokes and salsify are best left where they are.

Corn salad can be sown, to come up in early spring. Cauliflowers should be pricked out into a cold frame where they can be protected from frost.

All leaves should be swept up and stored in a heap, to make leaf mould. In the process they will generate steady heat, and if a frame can be spared it should be put over them. Tender plants can be stored in it, or winter salad grown in it.

By now the work will have got into swing, and the routine of it has consequently been acquired. Any mistakes or omissions that have occurred will have been rectified.

As the crops come off, settle what it is intended to put in next, and prepare the ground accordingly. Some things require little or no manure; others need much. All ground is better for being stirred, therefore keep on digging. War must be waged against all weeds between the rows of greens, decayed leaves should be removed. All crops that are likely to be injured by frost must be protected.

Now is a good moment to see about obtaining a supply of pea and bean sticks, flower stakes and canes. Two important matters can be done in bad weather, when the land cannot be worked. Stakes may be sorted out in sizes, pointed and tied into bundles, and put away in a shed. Any painting of stakes, tubs, or labels can also be done, and it will be found a good plan to go over the stock of tools.

There is much more work that I could suggest, but if the hints already given are carried out, a good start will have been made. By taking in a practical garden paper, such as “The Gardener” (1d. per week), “The Journal of Horticulture” (2d. per week), or the “Gardener’s Chronicle” (3d. per week), a reminder of the regular rotation of work will be secured. By reading these it will be seen exactly when to harvest fruit, prune shrubs and roses, clean over borders, layer carnations, etc. All details connected with these different operations will have been learned at college, so I need not add another to the many gardening books that will already have been read.

I want to draw attention to one quality that a lady head-gardener may find herself in need of. It is humility. I do not know a profession in which this is more necessary than in gardening. Because all difficulties of the soil in a chalky southern county have been learned, the requirements of that poor land mastered, and preparations made to guard against the violent attacks of the south-west wind, do not suppose that these same torments exist necessarily in other counties. Enemies and insect pests will be found, but they may not always be the same kind. The good advice and hints, therefore, that may be obtained from smock-frocked residents in the neighbourhood should not be despised. They have, perhaps, never been further than the nearest town close by; reading and writing are difficulties which they cannot overcome, but they have fully taken in how to grow vegetables and flowers on their own bit of land. Watch the time of year they undertake different simple operations, and learn to do likewise. Disappointment may be saved if they are humbly watched. Bitter experience has taught these men, and, by taking their advice, one may learn quickly what a lifetime has shown them.

MISS E. DOUGLAS IN HER GREENHOUSE AT SHEDFIELD GRANGE, BOTLEY HANTS.

Photograph by Pictorial Agency.

TOOLS

The lady-gardener can turn her attention to the question of tools when she has carefully looked round her new garden and when she knows how many men are to be employed. A list should then be made of those that are wanted, and they should all be ordered together, as by that means they will be cheaper. Those of an inferior quality should not be obtained just for the sake of saving a few shillings. They are dear at any price, so the best should be had and treated well. I have known instances of spades that “came to pieces in my 'and,” as the housemaid says. If they broke off at the first trial of a lady gardener, they certainly would do so when used by a man. Therefore all spades and forks should be obtained from a trustworthy manufacturer.

In some cases, a tool for each person employed will be required. In other instances, one or two of each kind will be enough, according to the size of the garden. Of these “sets” had better be ordered.

Spades.—A spade must be chosen to fit the user, and Nos. 2 and 3 are the most generally serviceable. One with a solid socket is strongest, and if the bend of the handle is right, it will not be appreciably heavier than others.

Forks.—A digging fork or grape with four prongs may be either flat or round. For general use, the round pronged ones are best, as they can be used for stirring the ground, digging potatoes, or forking manure. When digging, a flat pronged fork is strongest.

Rakes.—These can be obtained with iron or steel teeth, three to a set, in sizes of 16 in., 12 in., and 8 in. The end teeth and head should be in one piece, the other teeth rivetted, and very slightly curved. The socket should be long, and have at least three holes for rivets.

Draw hoes should be two to a set, 9 in. and 4 in.; the blades of steel welded to an iron neck which is slightly curved or swan-necked, as it is easier then to keep free of weeds.

Dutch hoes should be two to a set, 9 in. and 6 in.

Trowels.—A trowel should be chosen not too concave in the blade. A small mason’s trowel is useful.

A strong pruning knife will be required for each person. Besides these tools, there will be required, according to the size of the garden, one or two shovels, several manure forks, some wooden rakes, and two or three dibbers.

A garden roller.

A pick with one end sharpened to a point, and the other wedge shaped.

A crowbar, pitch bar, or punch.

A couple of hammers and a wooden mallet.

An edging iron.

A pair of shears for cutting grass verges.

A pair of straight hedge shears.

A pair of lopping shears.

One or two pairs of secateurs.

A large axe and a couple of hatchets. The American are best, or if these cannot be had, those with American handles should be obtained.

Several scythes.

A couple of saws, one an ordinary carpenter’s saw, the other a pruning saw. A cross-cut, to be used by two men, is very useful.

One or two garden lines and reels.

A measuring rod, 10 ft. long, and marked in feet and quarters.

A diamond for cutting panes of glass.

Several wheelbarrows.

A hand barrow.

Several baskets or trugs.

Watering cans.

Mowing machine. This will depend upon the amount of grass; but in a garden of any considerable size two will be required, one large one for the lawns, and a small one, 10 in. or 12 in. wide, for borders and edges. For the first, the American make is light, cheap, and simple in construction, but as they have no back roller, they will not work on narrow borders. The “Pennsylvania,” to be worked by a man and a boy, and a small “Green,” will probably be the most suitable.

It must be seen that the tools are kept in first rate order. A grindstone, one worked with a treadle, will be necessary. If good tools are bought and kept clean, well oiled, and sharp, they will last a long time; and those that have been used are the easiest to work with. They are broken in, as it were.

It will be advisable, upon the first opportunity, to clear out every hole and corner, and get rid of the rubbish. Old tools, however, should never be thrown away, as wooden handles will turn into dibbers and measuring pegs. Short handles will do for trowels, etc. Old spades can be cut down, re-sharpened, and used for digging amongst shrubs and in herbaceous borders. When they are past work, they can be put into the ground, blade upwards, as foot scrapers. Old forks can have their prongs shortened and turned down at right angles, or nearly so, to the helve. They are then useful as drag hoes for loosening soil among young crops.

It is a good plan, in a garden where extra labour is employed, and when neat and tidy habits cannot always be expected from the labouring men, to have receptacles for different kinds of refuse. There should be one for crocks, another for glass, a third for paper, and one for bits of wood. It should be seen each night that tools are carefully put away clean.

No pains should be spared to master thoroughly the mechanism of mowing machines. The lady-gardener must also know how to stoke a greenhouse furnace, and repair broken glass in frames. If these matters have been learned in student days there will be no difficulty for her in directing men. Should she be unable herself to put a piece of glass into a frame, she must not be angry with her workman if he fixes it insecurely. As thorough master of her trade, she will make herself respected.

Care, too, should be taken from the first to look ahead, as regards what has to be purchased, such as pots, soil, manure, peat, nails, raffia. It is provoking in finishing a job to be delayed because, at the right moment, some necessary article was not ordered.

“Thinking ahead” in this way is a habit, and can be acquired.

It is well never to be without a pocket-book and pencil, to jot down at once any things that may be required or jobs which need attention.

MISS HESTER PERRIN AT WORK IN HER BROTHER’S GARDEN AT FORTFIELD HOUSE, TERENURE, CO. DUBLIN

Photograph by Pictorial Agency

CHAPTER VII
DRESS FOR LADY GARDENERS

The question of clothes is always an important one to the feminine mind. It is impossible to lay down any fixed rules as regards the costume best adapted to a lady gardener. Chief considerations are neatness and suitability to the climate.

It is best to have few clothes, and to have them good. It should be remembered that lady gardeners usually must brush their skirts, and possibly have to clean their own boots. A small cottage does not afford much space, so nothing should be bought which is not absolutely necessary.

Underclothing.—Wool should be worn next to the skin, both in winter and summer, and the weight of clothes varied according to the weather. A plain fitting flannel belt to cover the waist and abdomen is advisable. This is worn next the skin, whether the usual underwear be merino or not. Knickerbockers, and not petticoats, should be worn. For winter wear, ready-made blue or black stockinette ones are best. Cheap ready-made cotton ones are useful for summer; or they can be obtained in khaki drill, should that material be preferred.

Blouse or Shirt.—This should be of the simplest, untrimmed make. For student days, when there are digging and other exertions to be performed, a turn-down flannel collar, with a tie, will give most freedom of movement. For a head gardener, a stand-up linen collar will give a neat appearance. In winter a flannel or Scotch wincey blouse is warm. For summer, a tussore silk one is cool. Wincey and silk cost more than flannel and cotton, but they wear longer, and do not shrink in the wash, so the expense in the end is the same.

A strong leather belt round the waist will keep both skirt and blouse neat. If one or two swivels and spring hooks are fixed to it, a knife, keys, etc., can be attached, and thus will always be at hand.

Skirt and Coat.—Several of these are needed, all thoroughly business-like and tailor made. The skirts should clear the ankles well, and be very even all round. Nothing looks worse than one that hangs lower at the back than in front. Care should, therefore, be taken to get the tailor to see to this. In rough weather, one should be worn with a 3 in. or 4 in. lining of thin waterproof inside. This enables one to wash off the mud with a sponge, and it will help preserve the dress. Thin waterproof is preferable to leather for this purpose, as it is lighter, and does not hang like a log round the wearer when she has been out in the rain for some time.

The colour of the coat and skirt should depend upon what will least show the soil when it rubs off as tools are handled or heavy mud is walked through. For winter, homespun, Scotch, West of England, or Irish tweed should be worn; a heather mixture or light brown are best, as these show dust less than darker colours. In summer, navy blue looks smart and workmanlike, but will get dirty easily, so it should only be kept for when clean jobs are undertaken.

Blue fishwife’s flannel is inexpensive, and washes well. A loose coat or Norfolk jacket of the same material as the skirt is useful to slip over a blouse when the weather is cold, or after work is finished.

It should be seen that the tailor gives two comfortable deep pockets, and makes a wide collar with a flap, by which it can be fastened at the neck in rainy weather. Unless the necessity of these details is pointed out, he will probably skimp cloth and work. The tailor should be consulted as to the material best suited, an explanation having been given to him of the hard wear to which it will be put. Several colleges and schools for lady gardeners have designed special costumes for their students, but although some are becoming to slim, graceful figures, they are by no means suited to all, and are somewhat too conspicuous to be really desirable.

Waterproof or aqua scutum.—This will be needed for stormy weather and night work; and the latter is preferable, as it is pleasanter to work in than a mackintosh.

Hat.—In summer, a shady, thick straw hat looks best. It should not be “floppy,” as this is troublesome in windy weather, and it must be plain, not trimmed with chiffon or flowers. A bit of ribbon round it is all that is wanted. Although a sun-bonnet is picturesque, it is hot and close, for it keeps off the air as well as the sun. The old-fashioned plan of putting a couple of cabbage leaves in the crown of the hat is not to be despised, should the heat be felt very much. For winter, a soft felt hat or cap will be required.

Boots.—This is the most important item of all, and one, curiously enough, usually neglected by lady gardeners. I often notice that students, when they begin work, wear ready-made and badly-made articles of the thickness only of paper. Boots are better than shoes, but they must be good. Cheap boots are dear at any price. If possible to afford it, they should be made to order, for a good many hours of the day will be spent in them. It is well to have a few nails in the soles; those made of aluminium are best. From 1 to 1½ ozs. will be sufficient for a pair of boots, and the difference in weight between them and the ordinary tackets is worth the extra cost.

Boots should never be blacked, but always greased. This makes them warm in winter and wonderfully cool; in summer they are then really waterproof. If they are dressed once or twice a week with Gishurstine, they will wear well, and keep soft and pliable. A 1s. tin will last a long time. Castor oil, too (the cheap veterinary kind), is also excellent. Two pairs of boots are necessary so that they can be worn on alternate days, and thus be properly dried. There is a foolish, old-fashioned rule in some gardens that the men must have their boots neatly blacked on Monday mornings. This should not be encouraged.

The best way to dry boots, when absolutely soaked through, is as follows:—Take 2 or 3 lb. of oats, and heat them in the oven; when the boots are taken off, stand them in a pail, and pour the hot oats up to the top of the polish. The oats absorb moisture, and as the boot dries they will swell, and act as a last. The same oats may be used over and over again. To clean brown boots Bucknell’s saddle soap is better than any of the patent preparations.

Stockings.—For winter wear, stockings should be knitted of soft, thick wool. Woven ones are the best in summer.

If, when the mid-day hour of rest arrives, boots and stockings are wet through, they should be changed at once. It is false economy to neglect to do this, for a rheumatic future may be the outcome. It will be found, however, that, if they are not wet, there will be less suffering from tired feet when the same stockings and boots are kept on all day. If they are removed, and a rest is taken in easy shoes during dinner time, the feet will swell, cause pain, and blisters will probably rise when a fresh pair of boots are put on for the afternoon. Beginners usually have to put up with tender feet until they become accustomed to heavy boots. For this reason, thick stockings are preferable. It will be found that camphorated Eau de Cologne cools the feet. Another and better remedy is Balm of Bethesda, which can be had from most chemists. The feet should be soaked in warm water, and while still damp a few drops of the balm rubbed in. This should be done every night until a cure is effected. It may be necessary to repeat the remedy each spring when the first warm days arrive.

IN THE GARDEN AT FORTFIELD HOUSE, TERENURE, CO. DUBLIN.

WHERE MISS HESTER PERRIN DEVOTES MUCH TIME TO THE SUCCESSFUL CULTIVATION OF BULBS AND PLANTS.

Photograph by Pictorial Agency.

Leggings.—These, too, are important, and should be of leather, and similar to those worn by men. Buttons or spring fastenings are to be avoided. The spiral strap fastening with a buckle is the most practical, and brown leather is better than black, as it is more easily cleaned. Cloth leggings, gaiters or puttees should not be worn they are troublesome to clean.

Gloves.—Thick leather gloves are useful when working among thorns and thistles. Many jobs, such as thinning out small things, pruning and nailing, cannot be properly done in gloves. When working among wet vegetables, they only make the hands cold, and encourage chilblains. Hands will wash, but it is as well to be provided with a bottle of nail-cleaning fluid, a box of orange sticks, and a little cotton wool. A hand nail brush must not be used, but soap and water should be vigorously applied.

Apron or Overall.—This will keep the skirt clean, and if there is a large pocket in the front it will be useful to keep scissors, a knife, raffia, or string in it for tying roses to pergolas, or picking flowers. A blue serge apron looks best, or an overall made of sacking, with a belt round the waist, is neat.

OTHER REQUISITES

Medicine Chest.—There will often be exposure to rough weather. A bottle of Eau de Cologne saturated with camphor is a necessity. It should be rubbed on the skin after washing, and it will tone it up and keep the surface smooth. It is a good hair tonic, and relieves headache; it also takes away toothache, and twenty drops on a lump of sugar will generally prevent a cold after working in damp weather. Scrubbs’ cloudy ammonia put into a very hot bath is refreshing after a hard day. Quinine is indispensable to those who can take it.

I need mention no other requisites for a medicine cupboard, as, unless one is strong and active, a gardener’s life will not be chosen. The chief risk that arises is that of taking cold, especially when work necessitates going in and out of a greenhouse, and thus being subjected to unusual changes of temperature. To guard against this, a knitted woollen golfing blouse should be kept handy. It is so thick, that it will keep out the coldest, most piercing wind, and can be easily slipped over the flannel blouse when leaving a greenhouse.

Bicycle.—Should there not be a cart for the gardener’s use, a bicycle is indispensable. Visits to other gardens are of interest if only for the sake of comparison. Often, too, by making friends with neighbouring gardeners, cuttings of new plants or seeds can be exchanged. A basket can be fixed to the handle-bars of the bicycle, in which can be put books and papers, whilst larger things are tied to the carrier behind. It will be found useful to understand the management of a repair outfit for punctures. The more independent of outside help a lady gardener is, the better she will get on, and the happier she will be.

CHAPTER VIII
COTTAGE AND FOOD

The question of finding a suitable cottage for a lady gardener is sometimes considered a difficulty by employers. But this need not be so. As a rule, the cottage stands alone in the kitchen garden, or near by, and what is large enough for a married man with many children will suit a lady admirably.

IN THE GARDEN AT FORTFIELD HOUSE, TERENURE, CO. DUBLIN.

BELONGING TO L. PERRIN HATCHELL, ESQ., AND IN WHICH MISS HESTER PERRIN DEVOTES MUCH TIME AND LABOUR.

Photograph by Pictorial Agency.

A lady gardener will want either a companion or a servant, as it is too tiring for her to cook and manage for herself after a hard day’s work. There are several ways of arranging this comfortably. Should the salary be a large one, it will be best to have a servant to cook and undertake all household duties. If the cost of a resident servant is too great, it will probably be possible to make some arrangement with a woman in the village. She will come for so many hours a day for cleaning and rough work, and the cooking can be dealt with by the gardener herself. As, however, it is extremely important that she should keep in good health, I urge that she should endeavour, by some arrangement or other, to get the cooking and house work done for her. There is sure to be an extra bedroom in the cottage, and should it be impossible to keep a servant, it can probably be arranged to have either a friend or a garden student as companion, who is willing to take over these small responsibilities. Often there are ladies training for Colonial work, who would gladly come and manage, in exchange for board and lodging. Vegetables are allowed to a gardener, and, therefore, she can easily afford to pay for the board of someone who helps her. Sometimes milk is provided for the use of a head gardener, and also coals. Before a post is accepted it should be ascertained exactly to what she is entitled, and then a calculation should be made as to how expenses can best be met. It must be remembered, however, that good, well-cooked food often saves a doctor’s bill; so no pains should be spared to live well. The greater variety that can be managed in the case of food, the better the health will be. Women living alone are very apt, from laziness, to fall into a habit of drinking tea and eating only bread and butter. Work certainly cannot be done on this; solid food is absolutely necessary.

With a view to assisting lady gardeners to undertake their own cooking in cases of emergency, I am able, through the kindness of Miss J. S. Turner, to give a few hints which may, I hope, be of use.

For roasting, an American roaster, which can be placed in the oven and requires no attention for basting, is necessary. If there is a close range, the earthenware French casseroles and marmites are nicer than saucepans. There are many American “notions” too, that save labour.

Asbestos mats for placing under saucepans on a closed stove only cost 4d. each, and prevent the contents burning.

Aluminium utensils are much better than those of iron or tin. They cost more, but are indestructible, and easily kept clean.

To commence with, the following utensils should be provided:—

1 large saucepan. It should be the largest that can be fitted on the stove, and a steamer to fit it is also required.

1 spirit lamp for quickly boiling hot water or eggs.

1 small saucepan.

1 double saucepan or porringer.

1 kettle.

1 gourmet boiler.

1 American roaster.

3 frying pans for meat, fish, and eggs.

1 oven tin.

1 pudding bowl.

2 pie dishes.

2 basins.

2 jugs.

1 teapot.

1 coffee pot.

1 bowl for mixing paste.

Pastry board and rolling-pin.

Cups, glasses, knives, forks, spoons, egg-cups and table-cloths will be needed.

With the above-mentioned articles most things can be done, and other utensils can be added as required.

Breakfast.—Breakfast should consist of porridge and milk, a boiled or poached egg, and a rasher of bacon if necessary.

The porridge should be made overnight. Half a breakfast cup of Provost or Quaker Oats, with a good pinch of salt, should be put into a saucepan. A cup and a half of boiling water must be poured over it and well stirred. Put on the lid, and allow the whole to boil for ten to twenty minutes. Leave it by the side of the stove all night, and it will only want heating up in the morning, which can be done on a paraffin stove. Do not forget to put water in the lower half of the saucepan.

It will only take a few minutes to boil an egg or fry some bacon.

When going out early in summer, it may be convenient to make a hot cup of tea, and for this the spirit lamp will be useful.

Midday meal.—If lunch has to be prepared by oneself, bread and cheese, cold meat, soup, a hard-boiled egg with salad, will be the most easily managed. Tinned food should not be relied upon; it is dear and unwholesome. If a hot luncheon can be obtained it will be better. I only give the above suggestions to those who have to manage for themselves.

Supper.—As work ceases at 6 p.m., there will be plenty of time to prepare a meal for 7.30 p.m. A gourmet boiler is most useful. Put in meat, potatoes, onions, etc., and a teacupful of water. Place the boiler in a large saucepan, and fill up with water to the rim of the boiler. If this be put on the fire at luncheon time, a good stew will be ready in two hours, and a still better one in eight hours’ time. One visit to replenish the water in the saucepan will be necessary

Beefsteak pudding, too, can be left on for hours, with the assurance that it will be all the nicer for long cooking.

Many dishes can be prepared beforehand, and heated up when required. It only needs a little thinking out.

Coffee.—Buy the whole berries roasted. Grind them as they are wanted. Small mills can be procured cheaply. Put the coffee in an earthenware coffee jug, and place it upon the stove for ten minutes or until it gets thoroughly heated. Pour on boiling water, and let it stand for five minutes. Stir it up, and then let it settle.

Tea.—Should the locality be one where the water is “hard,” “Hardwater tea” should be obtained. This is economical. Other blends are expensive, because the water does not extract the full flavour, and more tea has to be used.

Milk.—If milk is bought, get new milk, and do not skim it. Put it into a jug as soon as it is received. Let it stand twelve to twenty-four hours according to the season, and stir it well before it is used

Butter.—An icicle butter box, to hold from 1 lb. upwards, can be obtained, and if butter is kept in this box it will be firm even on the warmest day.

Pot au feu.—When tired after a day’s work, and not up to cooking, this and Pepperpot or Lancashire Hot Pot (the recipes in Mrs. Beeton’s cookery book) will be found a great stand-by. The pot merely has to be put on the stove, and in a few minutes a respectable meal is ready.

Life in the open air gives a good appetite, and, as a rule, no difficulty will be found in responding to it, if these slight instructions are followed.

CHAPTER IX
MARKET GARDENING

This is a branch of horticulture which requires great consideration and careful reflection, before a lady undertakes it. It needs both brains and capital. Market gardening resembles that larger sphere of jobbing combined with nursery gardening which is described towards the end of Chapter IV. Possibly less artistic sense is necessary, but far larger business capacity is essential. To succeed at all everything grown must be of the best quality, and suit the prevailing demand. There are fashions in flowers and vegetables, and these have to be studied and responded to. Then, too, in order to sell to London or other big markets, advance must be kept of others. It well repays to have green peas a fortnight before your neighbour, and more money is made if the supply of choice vegetables can be prolonged throughout the winter months. Then, again, white flowers sell better than others. These and many other tricks of the trade are not learned in an amateur way. They have to be studied under a competent master. Flowers have to be picked before the sun has opened them; they have to be packed with skill, and only certain kinds will travel well. Experience is necessary in order to know the right kind of foliage to send away with flowers.

So much, indeed, has to be learnt which cannot well be acquired at a college, that I strongly advise apprenticeship for a year or two to a nursery gardener. If it is preferred to study first at a school where surplus flowers and vegetables are sold, a good foundation of knowledge can be laid, which is considerably added to later in a market garden. I would suggest at least four years’ training for this particular branch of Horticulture.

An apprentice might well suppose that many secrets of the trade would be revealed to her. But this may prove to be a mistake. Business people are cautious as to what information they impart, and possibly more is to be acquired by keeping eyes and ears well open. Constant and careful inquiries should be made as to the price obtained for various vegetable produce, and the most likely quarters where there is a demand for it in that particular part of the country.

I am inclined to think, however, that the most useful business information is to be gained during the first year or two’s work in one’s own garden. It is gloomy to foretell such things, but mistakes are sure to happen, and from experience comes knowledge. To lose one’s own money hurts more than to see others lose.

Should the intending market gardener be a free agent, and able to select any part of England for her garden, there are two important matters for her to weigh. Where will be the best market, and what land has the most plentiful supply of water? Probably for the first venture the neighbourhood of a large seaside town, a watering-place or golf links, will be a safer market than London, which is so large and well supplied. It should be ascertained who the most likely customers will be—schools, boarding-houses, private families, etc., and the garden should be adapted to supply their wants.

Many are the ways of arranging work in a market garden. A lady of ample means can afford to keep an experienced foreman, a large staff, and horses and vans. By paying the head man so much per cent. upon the sale of produce, his interest in the concern will be kept alive. In this case a thoroughly dependable and honest man is necessary. Should more scope for energy be needed it will be advisable for the principal to do the secretarial work, decide the rotation of crops, conduct the sale transactions, as well as attend to the social part of the business. She should also supervise most of the operations and have good skilled labour to carry out all manual work.

If it can be avoided a field should not be converted into a market garden. The money that necessarily has to be spent at the start will more quickly be repaid if land is worked which has been used as a garden before. However good the soil, climate, and situation may be, a garden can only barely pay its way during the first two years on account of the many expenses that have to be met.

As opinions can best be formed by hearing real experiences, I propose inserting the following letter, written by one who has known what it is to overcome obstacles, and finally reach well-earned success. This interesting letter and several detailed accounts of market gardens given on p. 253 show what a suitable career this is for a woman. One, too, which will bring not only health and happiness from work in the open, but considerable remuneration, if it be carefully and well conducted.

Bashley Nursery,

New-Milton, Hampshire,

October 11th, 1907.

Dear Madam,—

In answer to your request for information about my market garden here, I think it will be best if I give you a short history of the undertaking. I bought six acres of land here fifteen years ago, with a view to start a garden on a more or less remunerative footing. I had been brought up in a town, but had always been fond of botany—of plants as individuals—and as years went on, felt drawn to a country life. I got to know something of cultivated plants by studying in the Botanic Gardens at Cambridge, where I lived. I hired a quarter-acre allotment in a field let out in that way. I got very much interested in it, and decided to go in for a country life with a garden, which I hoped to make pay its way, if not more. I studied gardening for two years with a family who had taken up market gardening in Wales, and proceeded to buy a small plot of land to begin upon. I had enough capital to start a place and build a small house for myself, and, fortunately enough, means to live upon in a somewhat bare way. I did not feel the least sanguine of making ends more than meet, and this was fortunate, as for many years it was a most unpromising and expensive undertaking. I was entirely without business knowledge in general, or of any of the detailed knowledge of the horticultural trade, and also, being town-bred, I was led into many errors. The soil proved poor and sour from lack of draining, and thickly infested with wire-worms, and being far from any town (Bournemouth, nine miles, being the nearest) there was absolutely no local demand for anything. I should say one of the main points in starting any place of the kind is to be near some town. I had not originally intended to go in for market gardening, but circumstances seemed to favour it more than any other branch, of gardening, so after many misgivings and qualms at further sinking of capital, I put up a block of five greenhouses, each 100 feet by 12 feet. This necessitated having a skilled man to live on the place, and consequently the building of a cottage, as there was none near. I intended to grow tomatoes for Bournemouth market, followed by chrysanthemums and other winter crops. The first season of tomato growing proved enough of a success to encourage me to persevere, and I bought a horse and van to begin a trade with Bournemouth shops, and engaged a man as salesman. On the whole this proved a success from the first. Our chief crops to start with were tomatoes in the houses, followed by chrysanthemums for cut flowers in the winter, and out of doors a variety of plants for cut flowers, especially early flowering chrysanthemums, also strawberries, rhubarb, and vegetable marrows. After a short time we took up narcissus, forcing for a spring crop, followed by bedding plants in pots and boxes, and a variety of pot-plants, such as genistas, ferns, cyclamen, freesia, and pelargoniums.

BOXING BULBS FOR FORCING AT MISS BATEMAN’S MARKET GARDEN, BASHLEY NURSERY, NEW MILTON, HANTS.

After a few years I bought nine acres more, adjoining the first field, and two years ago I bought another small field of four acres. A few years ago I was able greatly to improve our water supply, and to put up an engine for pumping all water used in the houses, and to build a second cottage for workmen. My original staff consisted of one labourer; it is now about nine men and boys. Last year I was able to add a large tomato house 100 feet by 30 feet, and a small fernery.

Whilst living here the neighbourhood has become a residential one, and consequently a good deal of trade has come from the immediate locality.

A good many people are glad to have their gardens superintended, or to have suggestions about the laying out of their borders.

I cannot say I have ever found it a very remunerative undertaking; it has certainly been a laborious one, but to me it has been immensely enjoyable.

Other crops we grow out of doors are gooseberries, raspberries and currants, and large quantities of roots, such as pansies, polyanthus, wallflower, forget-me-not, for spring bedding. Among the out-of-door flowers for cutting the chief are: narcissi, chrysanthemums, roses, carnations, violets, gypsophila, sweet-peas, marguerites, dahlias, astors, coreopsis, mignonette, gladioli, Spanish iris, pæonies, scabious, alstromœria, daisies, and many others. We also have a number of herbaceous plants and a good many shrubs to supply retail customers.

I am, yours faithfully,

A. Bateson.

CHAPTER X
THE MEDICAL ASPECT OF GARDENING FOR WOMEN

Anxious parents often ask whether gardening is a really healthy occupation for their daughters. These doubts, shared by many, are perhaps not so easily dispelled as, at the outset, might be supposed. We are all prone to view with suspicion any project which has for its purpose the fitting of women for the more arduous tasks of life. “For men must work and women must weep” is what we are accustomed to hear. We know that amongst all primitive peoples it has been found that women are capable physically of carrying out hard work in the open. We have evidence to prove that crofter women, those engaged at coal-pit mouths, women peasants in France and Germany, North American Indians, African races and the aborigines of Australia, are not less long-lived than their more favoured sisters in leisured countries. Amongst civilised races, however, the principle is upheld that only light tasks are relegated to women, and surely so it should be. The charm of woman lies in her softness and gentleness. Must we not preserve this above all else?

Thus the father of a family views with alarm the profession of a gardener, when it is first suggested to him for one of his daughters. It seems undesirable to him that she, who has been accustomed to gentle living and refinement, should lead the monotonous, solitary life which he pictures it to be. He sees her, in imagination, constantly weeding and digging amongst plants, without leisure during the day for any of the relaxation to be found in mental employment or development, and returning home at night physically exhausted. Her mother thinks that rough exposure to all weathers will play havoc with a good complexion; visions of a brown sunburnt face, or a wrinkled parchment one, knotted fingers, stiff joints, uneven shoulders, rise up to alarm her. Many are the prophetic croaks that the young girl hears about rheumatism and age before its time, or misgivings as to the results of digging and trenching and the bad effect they may have on back and hip muscles. I know one young woman who was so frightened lest she should develop a huge hump on her back from stooping, like the old road-mender whom she met daily, that she always laid down quite flat on her bed, during rest hours, to counteract any harm that might be likely to come to her.

It is most natural that many should be alarmed and have a strong disinclination to advise gardening as a healthy profession. I cannot help thinking that they may alter their views when they realise fully that it is not hard manual work that is needed of women in this profession. They are not meant to do spade-work like the ordinary labouring man; we have plenty of fine, strong hulking men who do this, but we do need more directing heads to plan out work and guide others. This is what lady gardeners are to do. It has become evident, in recent years, that women have determined to shake themselves free from former occupations and interests. They intend to apply their energy in new directions. Frequently, it must be admitted by all, they are successful. Practical experience shows us that women can acquit themselves with honour and success in games and in the pursuit of sports, which formerly were reserved only for men. Hunting, shooting, golf, cricket, swimming, hockey, climbing and walking are acknowledged to be fields of activity in which women may safely indulge. In Jane Austen’s day such pursuits were considered not only dangerous to health, but likely to produce awkwardness of figure and ungainliness of movement. Physical activity was supposed to unfit young girls for society. Things are changed since then, and although many of us see with regret some loss of feminine softness and charm in occasional specimens of the new woman, we cannot put all the evils to the profession of gardening. There must always, I suppose, be eccentric individuals who exaggerate their peculiarities, but these exist in all professions, and classes.

Much attention is now paid to the physical development of girls and young women in our schools, and we cannot fail to see the immense advantage gained by comparison through this over the results of early Victorian education. We have all, it is to be hoped, learnt that open air life is no longer a privileged form of existence suited only to men. We know that it is, when carried out on sensible lines of moderation, immensely helpful to women. The medical world has lately been awakened to the importance of improving the physique of our young people. Both Sir Lauder Brunton and Sir John Cockburn (chairman of the Swanley Horticultural College for Women) have impressed this fact openly upon the world. We see daily before us leisured women who from lack of pleasant, wholesome interests and bodily exercise, without scope for reasonable aspirations, have become anæmic parodies of the sex. The insidious malady which dogs the steps of a nation’s progress towards highly cultured, unlimited leisure and freedom, masquerades under the old-fashioned term “ennui” or the new-fangled names of nervous exhaustion, break-down, overwork (!), hysteria, decadence.

I believe I am justified in saying that medical men, who can appreciate the often aimless, humdrum existence of many women of the wealthier classes and the debility of those in our large towns, find in gardening a good agent for the removal of such evils. Possibly a year spent in rising early, out in sun and rain, with simple food, pure interests, physical exercise, does more for some than many medicine bottles, rest cures, Swedish movements, and other modern remedies. The same may be said for those who are mentally troubled—insane, that is, in a legal sense. The managers of our asylums are appreciating more each year the benefits to be derived by occupations. In this instance such interests act not only upon the individual, but also upon the health of a nation.

No one who has given the least attention to the advances made in the modern treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis can fail to recognise that open-air treatment has proved to be of immense value to sufferers from consumption, and that by its means cure, in the real sense of the term, may be established. It is a matter of national gratification that this sensible mode of cure should have been initiated in this country, by Bodington and MacCormac, years before it was adopted elsewhere. It is an instance of our national slowness to do what is obviously right, that our Continental neighbours have, till recent years, outstripped us in the perfection of these methods of cure. Our own pioneers, too, have been subjected to ridicule and temporary obloquy. We now know that though outdoor life at high altitudes is especially successful in the treatment of tuberculosis, high altitude is not a necessity. A cure can be effected in the lower altitudes of our own country, so long as the principle is maintained of a constantly “open window.”

Quite recently practical proof has been brought forward by Dr. M. S. Paterson, of the Brompton Hospital Sanatorium at Frimley, which shows that even the success of the Continental patterns of sanatoria can be greatly enhanced by allowing the sufferers to work in the gardens. By giving them this healthy employment they harden themselves, and instead of being confirmed idlers, they leave the institution vigorous in muscle, as well as healed of their lung trouble. The patients, men and women, are encouraged to execute all the lighter duties of gardeners, and the more robust of the men are allowed to excavate and trench ground. All minor ailments, such as nasal catarrh, or “common cold,” bronchitis, sore throat, headaches and muscular rheumatism, are remediable by means of a life regulated in accordance with the principle of the “open window.” It can hardly be doubted, therefore, that if those exercises which take the form of outdoor games are in part replaced by the more primitive and infinitely more profitable ones of gardening and botanical study, the same excellent effects will be realised.

Those who advocate gardening for women do not seek to deprive them of intellectual pursuits through a constant devotion to physical effort. They wish to secure to them the certain assurance of a healthy physical state by moderate devotion to a refined and pleasant occupation. Direct experience is fortunately available to carry conviction on this point to those who consider it with proper calmness and reasonableness. Healthy women who have essayed the experiment of gardening have no sort of doubt as to the beneficial results to be derived from it. Again and again it has been found, not only by devotees themselves, but by others whose training as medical men and women has enabled them to detect any undesirable results, that gardening is little short of an unmixed blessing. One distinguished medical authority who has made the agricultural education of women a life-long study, says that the young women who have taken up gardening as a profession are in consequence “as lithe as panthers and of splendid physique.”

Not only, therefore, does such a life increase muscular development and consequently help circulatory, respiratory, digestive and other normal processes, but it helps to make a healthy mind. If a serious bit of thinking has to be done, a piece of trenching or some purely mechanical exercise will greatly assist the brain. To quote a passage upon digging from Mr. Halsham’s admirable book, “Every Man His Own Gardener,” “You will find that the mind is not merely left free for all the valuable reflections which may occur to it, but that the attention necessary for the job takes up and keeps employed and quiet some subordinate activities of the understanding which in times of repose are often decidedly troublesome.”

I should like to quote a passage, too, from Ruskin’s “Sesame and Lilies,” which seems to me very applicable to the case in point. In showing us the power of woman, he says: “The first of our duties to her—no thoughtful persons now doubt this—is to secure for her such physical training and exercise as may confirm her health, and perfect her beauty, the highest refinement of that beauty being unattainable without splendour of activity and of delicate strength. To perfect her beauty, I say, and increase its power, it cannot be too powerful, nor shed its sacred light too far; only remember that all physical freedom is vain to produce beauty without a corresponding freedom of heart.” Then follows the quotation which we all know so well, and which shows us the “vital feeling of delight” which true love of nature, and all the lovely things in nature, give us—“Thus, then, you have first to mould her physical frame, and then, as the strength she gains will permit you, to fill and temper her mind with all knowledge and thoughts which tend to confirm its natural instincts of justice, and refine its natural taste of love.”

I ask what can more readily lead to the fulfilment of this ideal than a life of quiet, peaceful interests in the company of the pure and lovable companionship of flowers? What can bring healthier happiness than watching for those harbingers of the new flower year, the little green heads of Winter Aconite that come pushing so determinedly through the brown earth, and are followed later by little golden heads of flower? What can give greater intellectual and artistic pleasure and scope for imagination than planning the herbaceous border which is to be bright with colour all the year? Careful study and much reading are needed, but happy evenings fly speedily by, as you gaze into the fire and plan a lovely summer dream garden. Then, too, there is the interest of arranging work for others, marshalling the men at your command and apportioning the work to their different characters and temperaments. It is indeed no monotonous, unintellectual life.

A report has been received from one of our modern university colleges where lectures are provided upon various subjects. It tells us that women students are occasionally absent owing to indisposition from lectures and demonstrations upon history and classics, but that they attend with regularity those upon gardening. This is a flattering statement as regards the interest of horticulture.

Several of the reports of foreign schools which I am able to give, through the kindness of their directors, show that other nations are in advance of us in two points, at least, connected with this branch of study.

THE RUINS GARDENS, SLOUGHAM PLACE, SUSSEX.

LAID OUT BY THE HON. MRS. CHARLES SERGISSON.

Photograph by Pictorial Agency.

In Germany, Holland, and Italy, great stress is laid upon the ultimate use of horticultural courses. They are intended especially to fit young women to be useful in their own homes, either while living with their parents, or later when they marry or have homes of their own. This applies to women with means who are not obliged to earn a living. They are considered, with a knowledge of fruit culture, flower and vegetable gardening, jam making and fruit preserving, to become valuable adjuncts to the household. The word “Hausfrau” nowadays includes these garden matters, and we in England might profitably follow this example. If a young woman marries well and has servants who do all these things for her, she will still never regret having herself mastered difficulties, and probably she will be better served by being able with experience to criticise the work of others. Then, too, we notice in the foreign syllabuses that a doctor’s certificate of health is required before a young girl thinks of studying gardening.

It is certainly advisable that the family doctor should give advice before any decision is made as to the vocations of young women. This should be all the more insisted upon, when the would-be student suffers from some malady, whether it appears to be but a trifling one or not. It is a practical certainty that many minor maladies and symptoms are entirely removed when a suitable life is led. On the other hand, others apparently equally insignificant are harbingers of grave illness. It is possible that these remain dormant, or are not accentuated in the ordinary quiet routine life at home, but assume grave proportions as the result of the greater physical requirements of work in a garden. Therefore, parents should ask advice of a doctor before encouraging their daughters to take up gardening. It probably will be found by those who are able to adopt it as a profession, that there will be fewer aimless and useless existences, and that there will be many more happy, long-lived people.

CHAPTER XI
WOMEN GARDENERS FOR SOUTH AFRICA

There is small doubt that the subject of emigration to South Africa appeals to young Englishwomen, buoyant with youth and hopefulness, ambitious for adventure. A singular fascination exists about that virgin soil, clear air, brilliant sunlight. We know that nurses, teachers, mothers’ helps, servants are needed there. Unhesitatingly we recommend young women who belong to these professions to go to South Africa. They must thoroughly weigh beforehand the hardship of leaving home, and fully realise the obstacles they will have to overcome in a new country. Having faced these difficulties, they can, however, be confident of success, for the refining influence of women is fully appreciated in what are still somewhat uncivilised surroundings.

“Is this so with lady gardeners, are they likely to prove useful in South Africa?” This is a question often asked, and still somewhat difficult to answer. Experience of the subject is meagre, and the idea of sending ladies as gardeners to our colonies is a new one. We have had brilliant examples of success, and at the present moment a lady gardener at Bloemfontein is doing good work. Miss Hewetson’s report to the South African Colonisation Society, on Cape Colony Fruit-farming, tells us, perhaps, most about the subject, and we feel that her views can guide us, as her supervision of the work of Kaffirs for a year and a half gave her personal experience in the matter. We know that there are vast possibilities of fruitful cultivation if only there existed more skilled, directing heads. What a change might be made in the production of the soil, if educated guides superintended the merely mechanical work of Kaffirs!

It is intelligence and enlightenment that are needed, brains that are wanted more than hands. We are told that it takes three busy months to prune fruit trees on a large Cape Colony farm. These fruit trees make only moderate growth, as in England, but in Natal growth is tropically luxuriant, and in pruning much wood has to be left for shade, otherwise the fruit becomes sunbaked. To carry out properly such operations intelligence is necessary. Then, again, we know that fruit packing and grading are large undertakings on many farms. We read of a farm with 30,000 fruit trees and several vineyards, and can readily understand, not only the number of hands needed to sort and pack fruit, but the necessity of having clever overseers to speed on such work. Old inhabitants assure us that large profits could be made in dairying, poultry-rearing, bee-keeping, or flower-growing by English ladies who were earnest and adaptable, and possessed of capital as well as brains. The climate does not allow a white woman to dig or to undertake heavy work, but her services should be valuable to organise work for the natives. Until we have more definite examples of success, it is unwise to urge ladies to go to South Africa as gardeners. The safest course is, perhaps, to relate the steps that have up to now been taken, and leave all decision to the good judgment of those who contemplate taking up a profession which holds out decidedly good prospects to ladies who can face some degree of adventure. Much depends upon the natural taste and ambition of a woman. With good health, energy, and intelligence, people usually succeed in any country.

The most important matter that has so far been undertaken is the organisation of a colonial branch of training at Swanley College for lady gardeners. Here, students are put through a course, intended to fit them, to a certain degree, for posts on fruit farms, dairy farms, and private gardens in South Africa. This training at home, excellent as it is, must, however, be supplemented by apprenticeship in the colony itself. The difficulties of a foreign land cannot be grasped in England. A college for lady gardeners in South Africa itself is what is really needed, and no doubt in time it will be started. Meanwhile, until it is in existence, it is necessary for those who contemplate going as gardeners to the colonies to learn as much as possible at home. A two years’ course should be taken in fruit-growing, packing, jam-making, bee-keeping, etc. These subjects, if thoroughly understood in our climate, will present fewer difficulties, and will be easier to deal with in new surroundings. An application to Mrs. Hopkinson, chairwoman of the South African Colonisation Society’s Agricultural Committee, and of the colonial branch of the Horticultural College, Swanley, will secure all necessary information. The South African Colonisation Society offers advice as to climate conditions. It is also constantly looking out for possible openings in South Africa, where experience of soil, climate and cultivation can be acquired.

THE YEWS AT HUTTON JOHN, CUMBERLAND.

WHICH THE SPEAKER AND MRS. LOWTHER HAVE RENTED. THE ARTISTIC ARRANGEMENT OF THE BORDERS IS MRS. LOWTHER’S SPECIAL CARE.

However successful one may be in out-of-door pursuits in England, the knowledge will still be inadequate in the colonies. The chance of success will lie in undertaking work with a spirit of pure humility. Only after a thorough course of instruction in the country itself can the management of a post of any degree of responsibility be attempted.

One considerable source of difficulty is the question of a white woman as overseer being left unprotected among Kaffirs. In small gardens, with only one “boy,” this danger is reduced, but in large ones it is almost a necessity that two ladies should protect each other. The proportion of men to women is about seven to one, and, therefore, some may consider that South Africa will not be, as regards lady gardeners, a woman’s country for another fifty years. That it will be so then, we who are anxious to see the better cultivation of our great colony, upon lines indicated for us by Cecil Rhodes, venture to hope. When Englishwomen have firmly established a good reputation as landscape gardeners, directing experts and teachers in the mother country, they will doubtless be welcomed with enthusiasm in our colonies.

To those who are not deterred from making an attempt at gardening in South Africa by these few difficulties, I venture to give the following practical hints, which I am allowed to publish by the kindness of the South African Colonisation Society:—

BOARD AND LODGING

In the other colonies it is generally from 2s. to 8s. per doz. articles, irrespective of size.

OUTFIT

The same clothes are needed in South Africa as in England, except that furs are not necessary, and a larger supply of washing dresses, etc., are needed for the longer summers. Wool of some sort must always be worn next the skin, even if it is only a cholera belt in the hottest weather, on account of the sudden falls in the temperature. In the Transvaal and Orange River Colony the winters are bitterly cold, and warm underwear is there very necessary.

Warm wraps are essential, as the nights seem bitterly cold by contrast to the hot, sunny days. Washing fabrics should be chosen of fast colours; white linen, holland and Tussore silk wear the best. Light unwashable materials are unwise, as the dust is terrible all over the country, and there are no good cleaners. Black and dark-coloured materials are inadvisable, as also most kinds of grey, as they become stained with red dust. Rough mixture tweeds in greens, browns and reds are most useful, or any other warm, light, dust-proof material.

Brown shoes and stockings are better than black ones, and a good supply should be taken, as the wear is harder than at home. Gauze and chiffon veils are a great comfort in a dust storm, and it is wise to have a cushion for travelling.

A thick mackintosh, overshoes, and a warm rug are essential.

It is economical to provide a really serviceable outfit, calculated to last for some time, as clothes obtained in the colony are both more expensive and less satisfactory than in England.

FARES

(2nd Class Union-Castle Intermediate Steamers)

N.B.—At least £1 10s. should be allowed for landing expenses, and about £1 for tips on board ship (the stewardess expects from 5s. to 10s., according to the amount of attention required on the voyage, and the cabin steward and table steward will expect 5s. each. Subscriptions to games and other tips are optional). An Emergency Fund of a few pounds should also be kept in hand. Passengers are met at the various ports by South African Colonisation Society agents, and they can stay at the Hostels of the South African Colonisation Society, where board and lodging are provided for from 3s. 6d. per day.

A girl with a long railway journey before her would do well to provide herself with food at the port of landing; tea and coffee can always be obtained en route.

Besides the regulation cabin trunk (this must not exceed 14 inches in height, 2 feet in breadth, or 3 feet in length), it is wise to have two smaller boxes in preference to one big one, as they are more convenient for transit in South Africa, and are less likely to get damaged in loading and unloading on board ship. Second-class passengers are allowed 25 cubic feet of baggage free on the ship; any excess is charged 1s. 6d. per cubic foot. On the South African Railways 75 lbs. only of luggage is allowed free to second-class passengers; all excess is charged according to scale.

Girls going to towns, who possess bicycles in good condition, are advised to take them, but they will have to pay duty on them—as much as 15s. in all probability; also the train freightage is heavy. On the boat they are shipped as luggage without extra charge if the 25 cubic feet of baggage be not exceeded.

Introductions to residents in South Africa are given to everyone going out under the auspices of the S.A.C.S., so that all may find friends on arriving in the new country.

CHAPTER XII
ITALIAN POT GARDENS: A SUGGESTION

A well-known French horticulturist, director of many parks, once gave most flattering praise to an English garden. He called it “un jardin intime.” These three words sum up what most of us wish our gardens to be.

We bring to them, from other countries, plants that recall pleasant memories. As we watch these growing happily in our herbaceous borders, thoughts come to us of those who gave them, of happy meetings, and unforgotten scenes. In England we make real friends of our gardens; we confide many secrets to their safe keeping. Owing to a temperate climate, we have long in which to mark the slow development of bud and blossom. The time of flowering is late, and it remains all the longer for our enjoyment. When spring flowers are over, there are lovelier ones to look forward to. We have not to combat the heat and drought which so speedily bring summer beauty to an end in Italian gardens. It is, no doubt, on account of climate that abroad the bedding-out system has been adopted, and thus much of that intimacy with herbaceous plants, which we have, is there unknown. Our English gardens are tended carefully and steadily all the year round; a feeling of rest and peace pervades them.

In Italy a garden is neglected during the winter, whilst the Signoria are away. Beds and paths are left unweeded, all vegetation appears to be dead, and the gardener occupies himself only with vines, vegetables and plants growing in pots, which later will be the chief means of dressing-up the grounds. Most Tuscan villas in winter have the appearance of a Palace of Sleep. We wonder how it will be possible, when the Fairy Prince arrives, to transform disorder into a well-kept, beautiful place. We realise as we see so wonderful a change occur, how valuable a touch of this surprise would be to our old-fashioned English homes. It would improve not only the appearance of our gardens, but enhance the architectural beauty of our houses.

This sudden transformation is brought about upon the first really warm spring day, as if by the stroke of a fairy’s wand. Then the doors of the orangery are flung open, and ornamental pots of all sizes and shapes are brought out by means of rollers and stood in striking positions in the pleasure grounds. During the last few years we have been shown in England, through the good taste and skill of Mrs. Watts and others, what can be done in the way of terra-cotta work for the adornment of gardens. There is nothing new to us in the lovely boxes, sundials, fountains, vases and pots that we see designed, but we have not all, perhaps, succeeded in mastering the art of the Italian in placing these objects, with striking effect, in masses.

With a view to studying this we wandered round many gardens in Tuscany. We were shown lovely loggias overhung with climbing roses; masses of tall graceful arums and many coloured carnations in pots, stood beneath them in cool shade. Flowering bushes outside were carpeted with sweet-smelling violets, walls and arbours were hidden under lavender wistaria, white and pink camellias lit up the borders of shrubberies. Nothing, of all this luxuriant vegetation, was arranged quite in accordance with our English taste. We were dissatisfied, until one day we chanced upon a garden which seemed to combine successful herbaceous arrangement with ornamental pot decoration.

A narrow country lane, hedged in on either side by cypresses, led to the front of the villa. The terrace, with old-fashioned stone seats built into the corners of the wall, invited the passer-by to rest beneath the shade of an overhanging sycamore and look down upon a lovely stretch of country below. Near by, dense box hedges sheltered some plantations of fruit trees, all pink and white with blossom, while beneath grew delicious scented narcissus. The shadows played upon the grey and green of the olive gardens, and deep blue in the distance were the hills round Fiesole. Florence itself was hidden, but close to us the stately Certosa crowned her dome-shaped hill. To the left, an opening in the hills showed us the misty plain of Prato, looking like a still lake in dreamland dotted with small white ships. The villa door stood temptingly open, and ascending a flight of stone steps we entered the small, cool, paved court.

It was different from most courtyards. In the place of orange trees in pots there were flower beds amidst the paving. Each was round in shape and contained a graceful lilac bush carpeted with mauve violas. In the centre of the court was a well with ornamental ironwork railings, against which stood handsome Amaryllis lilies in pots. The walls of the house had roses climbing up them; so robust were they that their stems had twined around the iron window gratings, making, with their thorns, a double security against attack. The whole effect was cool and quiet—a good preparation for the blaze of colour which met us, as we passed under the dark archway into the garden itself.

What struck us most, when first we saw it, was the height above the ground to which colour had been raised, by planting shrubs in large ornamental terra-cotta pots. It will be seen upon the plan, that these not only stand upon the paths and walls, but are arranged at intervals, in the very midst of the herbaceous borders. Large grey stones, about a foot above the level of the flower bed, are placed for the pots to stand upon. A groove, in the form of a cross, is cut in the stone, to allow the drainage from the pot to run off easily. These stones and the lower portion of the pots are partially hidden by groups of irises, pæonies, aquilegias and roses, growing in the border. Just a touch of the terra-cotta flowerpot with its handsome ornamentation of wreaths, is seen above the blue and white of the irises or the many-coloured ranunculuses, and then, above, high up, we get the foliage and colour of the shrub which is planted in the pot. It is certainly a most effective way of giving height and variety to a flat, rather uninteresting piece of ground.

AN ITALIAN POT GARDEN

IN ORDER TO SHEW THE LAY OVT OF THE GARDEN MORE DISTINTCLY THE POTS ONLY ARE SHEWN.

ON THE PLAN THE POTS ARE INDICATED THVS

DRAWN FROM PLANS MADE BY MISS MARY CAMPION.

Most of the pots had lemons or oranges growing in them. In our country it is possible to have these only in the more sheltered parts, but laurustinus, box trees, bays, lilacs, hydrangeas or roses could be used instead. Even should the pots occasionally have to stand empty, they are so exceedingly handsome and decorative in themselves, that they only improve the general appearance of the garden. They are made in different shapes and sizes. Some are very elaborately ornamented, but the kind of which a sketch is given are the simplest and most dignified.

No one who has seen an Italian garden, so arranged, can dispute the beauty of it. It may be suggested that in England it would be difficult to protect the terra-cotta from cracking in frosty weather. Experience in southern counties has been favourable, and should it not be so in colder places, they can be put under cover for the winter months.

The plan which is given is from drawings made by the kindness of Miss M. G. Campion. Although it is rather elaborate, it could easily be modified for a small garden. It represents about an acre of land, which is cleverly arranged to allow of the combined cultivation of fruit trees, flowers and vegetables. It is closed in upon every side. The house shelters it from the east wind, the long orangery casts a shadow upon the south side and makes it possible to have a lovely bed of lilies of the valley near by. On the north, besides the trees, is a high wall. The west is the most exposed, as it has a hornbeam hedge through which small openings are cut, to show the hills with vineyards outside the grounds. Against the hedges stand large, empty oil jars, in terra-cotta, their graceful shapes showing well against the dark green. Round the central fountain is a 3-ft. wall, wide enough to have pink Bourbon roses, in pots, standing upon it. Each of the four smaller fountains forms the centre of a little plot of ground. These plots are divided into four beds. Each bed is large enough to have several pink and white blossomed fruit trees and some gooseberry bushes. Amongst them are planted spring-flowering bulbs such as narcissus, tulips, etc., for cutting. Other beds have smaller fruit trees, or currant bushes and roses alternate. The dark red-green foliage of the rose bushes contrasts with the fresh green of other plants. A few plots are reserved for vegetables, but, as a rule, these are close to a border of flowers; therefore, the garden, although small, is ornamental as well as useful. From below the windows of the house comes a delicious scent of freesias, and as we look more closely, we see orange-red tulips planted amongst them, the deeper notes of orange in the freesias corresponding with the colour of the tulips.

The plan, if carefully studied, will give a good idea, therefore, of a successful combination of permanent herbaceous borders, improved, dressed up, and heightened by the addition of ornamental terra-cotta pot decoration.

ITALIAN ORANGE POTS AND OIL JARS.

DRAWN FROM SKETCHES BY MISS MARY CAMPION. TO BE OBTAINED FROM THE SCHOOL OF LADY GARDENERS, GLYNDE, SUSSEX.

CHAPTER XIII
FOR THOSE WHO HESITATE TO EMPLOY LADY GARDENERS

Many ladies who own large gardens take personal interest in the arrangement of the grounds. Not only do they wish to have beautiful, sweet smelling flowers in glasses and bowls to adorn their rooms; they also aspire to have plants grouped harmoniously in herbaceous borders and in formal beds. There has arisen a kind of competition to have as good a garden, if not a better one, than our neighbour. In the case of some specially gifted and energetic ladies, lovely gardens have been created, through their directions being carefully followed by the head gardener. Some illustrations of such are given in this volume. Possessed of complete knowledge about the flowers best suited to the soil and position, having carefully studied the height, time of flowering, and prettiest combinations of colour for beds, they are competent to direct themselves. It sometimes occurs, however, that the lady of the house is willing to devote a small amount of time to planning garden effects, but family and social duties call her away. She can only give general directions to the clever gardener, and leave him to carry them out. Although many men are skilled in growing fine specimen plants, few are sufficiently well educated, or possessed of the natural taste requisite to execute their employer’s wishes.

I hope no one will suppose that, because this book is intended to be a guide to lady gardeners, I am narrow-minded enough to think in a depreciative way of men gardeners. Some of them are personal friends whom I respect, esteem, and who, I am aware, have done infinitely better work than any lady has so far achieved. Many are not only gardeners, they are artists as well. I have the highest opinion of them and their profession. I do feel strongly, however, that there is a large field open to young gentlewomen anxious to take up this work. There are many gardens, too, where a change has necessarily to be made, and the owners will benefit by substituting a lady in the place of a man, as head gardener.

I should like to draw the attention of employers to two important points connected with this subject:

1. A lady must be selected; not a “would-be” one. Only if she is this at heart, will she have authority over men working for her.

2. She should have the same salary as a man. A lady gardener must not be considered an economy. Many people without consciences think they can exact the same amount of manual work from a young woman that they would expect from a man. They also imagine, because she is a woman, they can pay her lower wages. Pay her well, and treat her well. Her honesty and intelligence will save expense in the end, but do not economise upon her salary. The advantages to be gained by the employer, should he appoint a lady as head gardener, are these:

(1) Scientific knowledge and true artistic taste.

Owing to a college training, and first-rate general education, she should have better scientific knowledge than the ordinary labouring man who has worked his way up from village schooldays, through the different grades of a gardener’s life, to be head over others of his own class. She will possess a good grounding in botany and the science of soils. In short, she can reason scientifically. Instead of saying, “Oh, so-and-so won’t ever grow here, the soil does not suit it,” she will be able to ascertain what quality is lacking in the ground, and by adding an ingredient secure proper growth. Thus, an end will be made to the often erroneous ideas of a foreman, who, because he does not know the requirements of a plant, gives up the idea of growing it, or continues absolutely satisfied with the weedy specimen under his care.

A lady gardener, too, owing to her early surroundings, the study of pictures, gardens, and beautiful objects, should possess greater capacity for appreciating fully the requirements of the lady of the house. Plans for the arrangements of flower beds, shrubbery, borders, surprises of all sorts, are more speedily, more satisfactorily decided upon when two people meet upon the ground of similarity of education.

(2) Taste in colour.

This is more developed with the majority of women than with men. We have so many opportunities, at the fortnightly exhibitions of the Royal Horticultural Society, of seeing the latest productions of beautiful flowers. Then, too, there are books, such as Robinson’s “English Flower Garden,” Kelway’s Manual, Wright’s “Beautiful Gardens,” to guide us. They show us plans for grouping colours harmoniously in herbaceous borders. Nowadays we all know what we want to achieve, but we often fail to find the right one to fulfil our imaginings. It hurts the eye to see scarlet geraniums growing near mauve asters, or the delicate pink of the Dorothy Perkins rose killed by being placed near a glaring red brick wall. The lady gardener should, by her natural taste and good judgment, avoid such mistakes of arrangement both in the ordering of plants for flower borders, and in the decoration of flowers in rooms. A dinner-table should be an easy matter for her to plan. Lightness of touch will enable her to succeed in mixing graceful, soft foliage with suitable flowers. She will accomplish this in less time than the average man gardener.

Week-end parties are a favoured form of entertaining, and often the lady of the house is busy in London during the week, only arriving at her country house just before her guests. It will give her a pleasant sensation of ease if she has someone at home to whom she can absolutely entrust the decoration of her rooms and dinner-table. Then, too, another important matter is the selection, gathering, and packing up of suitable flowers to send away. My experience has always been that men gardeners do not study this sufficiently. They gather beautiful carnations, pentstemon, irises, or whatever their speciality may be, but forget that suitable green or coloured foliage must be mixed with them to show off the blossom. Knowing the very great difficulties of arranging flowers in glasses, a lady will be more careful about this than a man.

(3) Honesty and trustworthiness.

The lady gardener is a gentlewoman, and, therefore, we presume she possesses these qualities. I do not mean to cast the faintest aspersion upon the honesty of men gardeners! There have been instances of dishonesty and drunkenness amongst them, and as a class they are certainly open to greater temptations than a lady. Many owners of moderately large places, where perhaps no agent or bailiff is kept, are forced to be absent for some months each year; others fill high positions in diplomacy, and are obliged to spend some years away from home. To such, it will be a satisfaction to feel that they leave a capable lady at the head of affairs. Someone is at home who can be trusted, and will report to them if things are not going on as they would wish.

I am often questioned as to whether a lady can possibly exert authority and influence over a working man. I am certain, if she is the right kind of woman, she can. Let her, without hesitation, dismiss the first drunken under-gardener she meets with, and the others will respect her, and not try to take advantage of her because she is a woman.

(4) As companions.

The above remarks apply chiefly to a large flower and vegetable garden. I think women are equally suited to small posts. We often hear of a maiden lady living in the country who needs company. She would be pleased if a nice, cheerful, bright girl lived with her to share her pleasure in the garden. The strength and vigour of the young girl would compass things which the elderly lady could not attempt unassisted. Thus companionship would be added to the joy of gardening.

THE RUINS, RATTON PARK, SUSSEX.

WHICH THE HON. MRS. FREEMAN-THOMAS HAS ENLIVENED WITH CHARMING BOX-EDGED BEDS OF BRIGHT FLOWERS.

Photograph by Pictorial Agency.

Then, also, we know of many a young married woman with a large family of children, whose limited means necessitate a country life. The children are sent to school, and return home only in holiday time, or they have daily teachers who leave them after lessons. Surely an arrangement might be made by which some of their free time could be turned to profitable, and yet pleasant account, by their working a little in the garden under the direction of the lady gardener. Children love planting and digging. If encouraged, they will take the greatest interest in beautifying a garden. Some lessons in nature study, too, could be given occasionally to increase their love for a country life.

This comparatively new idea of having someone to talk over garden arrangements with, in a friendly and more or less companionable way, usually smiles upon the woman of the house. She, at last, sees within her reach the possibility of achieving artistic effects which she has long thought of in her day dreams, but has failed to get carried out. Against the dark green yew hedge, how lovely will be the group of tall, stately pink hollyhocks, with pale rose-coloured annual larkspurs, Japanese anemones, and silver-foliaged plants intermingled with them! What lovely combinations of plants bearing similar coloured foliage she can arrange to plant together! There will be irises, German and Spanish ones, then the white drooping bells of hyacinth candicans, followed by scarlet tritomas and montbretias, bringing their brightness to cheer dull autumn days. How satisfactorily she now will be able to maintain a constant succession of colour in herbaceous borders throughout the year!

In short, the advent of a lady gardener is pleasing to her. Her husband will probably not approve the innovation. “If I see the poor thing out working in a heavy downpour of rain, I shall feel a brute not to go and help her,” he will say as he smokes his pipe reflectively, and meditates over the follies of womenkind. But, I ask, what man head gardener need work in rain? If he does, he will probably do more harm than good, by making a mess of the ground. Need he, wet or fine, do much manual labour? No! his duties lie chiefly in directing the men under his charge; in executing the lighter, but more intricate work of pruning, thinning out grapes, and secretarial duties. Above all, he must plan the succession of crops. All these matters can be done equally well, if not more speedily, by an educated woman.

As this book aims at introducing lady gardeners to employers, I should like to ask for these gentlewomen the good treatment, absolute trust, gentle handling, which their position entitles them to receive. Without the entire confidence of their masters, no ladies would wish to take up a post, but with their support, and the power to dismiss those under their authority who they find are dishonest or undeserving, lady gardeners should be absolutely successful. No longer need there be that frequent termination to all pleasure in a large garden, when the head gardener grows only what he likes, and not what his master requires. How often, when shown round a large place, one is struck by the remark, “Oh, Dibber never lets us have violets or carnations, all his interest is centred in vegetable growing”; or “Truman gives all his time to preparing plants for exhibition; he is certainly very successful in winning prizes, but we come off badly, as all the best things are sent to exhibitions!” Instead, therefore, of having someone to contend with, or a man whose obstinacy has to be circumvented before a bunch of sweet peas can be brought into the house, you will have a friend who will endeavour to give you all she can successfully grow, and whose taste and judgment can be relied upon.

Every year the number of women students at horticultural colleges increases. The profession appeals to many, and there are now a large number who, having completed their education, are seeking posts. Up to the present time, the supply is in excess of the demand. This is, I believe, the case with all professions until they have become firmly established. Employers still hesitate to try a lady gardener. Then, too, the ladies who up to now have desired to have women head gardeners, have usually possessed large gardens, needing many hands to work them. It is natural that the young woman who but lately was a student, superintended and guided in all her undertakings by a teacher, hesitates about managing a large garden. There are many such who still hold back in diffidence, hoping to obtain a small post first.

I sincerely trust, when this is fully realised by those interested in the success of women horticulturalists, that many owners of medium sized or small gardens will come forward and offer posts to women. A garden of one or two acres, with a small greenhouse, and only one or two labourers for rough work, will be best suited to a newly fledged lady gardener. She should be able to manage this, and two or three years spent in it will be a good preparation for a post entailing larger responsibilities. I do not think that anyone who is generous spirited enough to offer such posts to ladies will repent the act.

Part II

CHAPTER XIV
COLLEGES AND SCHOOLS FOR LADY GARDENERS IN GREAT BRITAIN

The following syllabuses of British colleges and schools are submitted for the use of ladies interested in gardening. It is hoped that they may assist all those who, in England or abroad, have the management of such training centres. By means of them it will be easy to compare notes as to the various methods of imparting practical information the form in which foreign syllabuses are staged may inspire fresh ideas. I should like to add that I do not, of course, consider what I am able to give of these particulars as in any way comprehensive; but it has been my endeavour to insert only details of colleges and schools that have been in existence some time. I have received the syllabuses and many interesting notes through the kindness of those who have at heart the wish that ladies should succeed in the profession of horticulture.

THE THATCHAM FRUIT AND FLOWER FARM SCHOOL OF GARDENING, HENWICK, NEAR NEWBURY

Principals: Lily Hughes Jones, F.R.H.S.; Mary Peers, F.R.H.S.

(1st Class Certificates and Bee Experts)

The farm is situated on high ground in the Kennet Valley, facing south, one and three-quarter miles from Newbury, two miles from Thatcham Station, about twelve miles from Reading, and one-quarter mile from the Bath Road.

The residence is a roomy old farm-house, facing south. Its position is thoroughly healthy, 400 feet above sea level.

An old-fashioned garden lies to one side of the house, and four acres of land on the other side, on which the main crops are grown, consisting of hardy fruits, perennials, and other crops.

The farm is conducted as a market garden for business purposes. Students will thus see practical work—the object being to provide outdoor work of the healthiest kind, and at the same time to give a thoroughly practical knowledge of country life—knowledge that may be used as a means of livelihood or in superintending a garden, and will, in any case, be of unfailing interest and use in after life. It is not intended to take a large number of students, so that each student will have individual attention, and her capacity be carefully studied.

The greatest care is taken with regard to the food of the students, and their health carefully guarded.

PRACTICAL WORK

Horticulture.—Instruction in all branches of outdoor gardening; specialities being made of herbaceous plants, violets, and fruit.

Bee-Keeping.—Instruction in the management of bees, including lectures and coaching for the B. B. K. A. Experts’ Examinations. Practical work and manipulation is carried on in the farm apiary.

Carpentering.—Students are instructed in the workshop in the making of various gardening and bee-keeping appliances.

Jam Factory.—Jam making is taught in the small factory which was instituted for the production of homemade preserves.

A French garden has now been added, and a competent Frenchman teaches this branch only. It is worked upon the lines of the famous “Maraîche” system, and differs in every detail from an English garden. All vegetables and fruits are brought on out of season. At present we have 400 frames, all made, glazed, painted, by the students, and 1,000 cloches.

Two other French gardens have been started in England, and have proved successful.

THE COTTAGE, SCHOOL OF LADY GARDENERS, GLYNDE, SUSSEX.

Photograph by Pictorial Agency.

THEORETICAL WORK

Horticulture.—Complete courses of instruction are given in the various branches of horticulture, including Entomology, Soils and Manures.

[2]Botany, for R. H. S. Examinations. Lectures on the elements of morphology and physiology of flowering plants, with practical work, can be attended.

[2] These lectures are optional.

Students also get a thorough insight into packing, purchasing, and marketing produce.

Floral Work.—Demonstrations are given in bouquet-making and floral arrangements.

Session.—The year is divided into three terms of about thirteen weeks each.

Fees.—For the full course, including everything with the exception of botany lectures, £55 per annum. Botany, 30s. per term, in addition.

Extras.—A small fee of 5s. per annum is charged for the use of all tools in various departments. All fees payable in advance at the beginning of each term. A term’s notice of removal of any student must be given, in writing, to the principal, otherwise a term’s fees will be charged. Application for forms of entrance and further details to be addressed to the principals. It is advisable to train for a period not shorter than two years, as experience necessary for success in an after career cannot be gained in less time. Short courses of instruction are arranged when desired.

INSTRUCTION IN PRACTICAL GARDENING FOR LADIES, GLYNDE, NEAR LEWES, SUSSEX

Principal: The Hon. Frances Wolseley

Patrons: The Lady Ardilaun, Miss G. Jekyll, Miss White, E. O. Greening, Esq., W. Robinson, Esq., Mrs. Charles Earle, Miss Willmott

The school was founded in 1901–2, and is supervised by the Hon. Frances Wolseley. The number of students is limited, and great care is taken as to their selection. A personal interview and the highest references are required before admission. The following arrangements for the course of work are a development upon specialised lines of the scheme which has up to now existed. The chief objects of the course are:—

To give a thorough foundation in the management of all the more hardy garden plants.

To improve taste in the laying out and arrangement of gardens. To teach the daily routine work of a private garden, so essential to those who, later, wish to become private head gardeners.

To give students responsibility and thus enable them more easily to be competent to undertake posts when their course of training is completed.

A competent, practical superintendent gives instruction in flower, fruit and vegetable growing. In addition to this well-known advisory experts visit the school from time to time and give lectures upon the theory and special branches of horticulture. H. Edmonds, Esq., B.Sc., of the Municipal School at Brighton, lectures upon Botany and the Chemistry of the Soil.

Mr. Back gives demonstrations upon fruit culture. Mr. Paris lectures upon Bee-keeping. Mr. Edmund D. Foster, Head of the Engineering Department of the Brighton Technical College, has undertaken to lecture upon Land Surveying.

A special feature of the garden is the arrangement of Italian Oil Jars and Lemon Pots.

GATHERING ROSES FOR POT POURRI, SCHOOL OF LADY GARDENERS GLYNDE, SUSSEX

Photograph by Pictorial Agency.

Students are encouraged to take personal interest in all alterations and improvements made in the gardens.

Attention is given to the every-day work of a garden, comprising:—The care of grass, paths and beds; mowing, sweeping and general tidiness; digging, trenching and other ground operations, raising plants from seeds and cuttings, their subsequent treatment; culture of herbaceous alpine plants and roses; forcing violets, Dutch bulbs, richardias, etc.; watering, ventilation and other points of glass-house management. Gathering and packing flowers and general varieties of vegetables for market is carried out. Fruit is grown, including bush, standards, espaliers and strawberries.

Arrangements are made by which students can visit local gardens. They are required to keep notes of these visits and to answer in writing questions upon them. The advantages thus gained to students, in comparing their own work with that of those having life-long experience, will be a special feature of the school.

Students are encouraged to stay two years if it is found that their special needs can be provided for. In any case they should not stay less than one year. Advice is given as to their future.

A half-holiday is given once a week when the necessary work allows. This implies that quiet times alternate with busy ones, and it is necessary that a high standard in the appearance of a garden should be maintained.

Fees for practical instruction, £10 per annum, payable after a week’s mutual trial. Should the student, owing to any serious breach of discipline, be asked to leave at Miss Wolseley’s wish, this sum is refunded.

The lectures of experts are £2 per annum extra.

Preparation for Royal Horticultural Society’s Examination, £1 extra, but only two-year students go in for this.

Lodgings, conveniently near the gardens, where several students board together, can be secured at 17s. per week, for board and lodging. Each student defrays these expenses.

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, READING

Principal: W. M. Childs, M.A., Keble College, Oxford (Professor of Modern History).

Director of the Department of Agriculture and Horticulture: Professor John Percival, M.A., St. John’s College, Cambridge.

Assistant Directors: Edward Brown, F.L.S. (Agriculture); Charles Foster, F.R.H.S. (Horticulture).

Registrar: Francis H. Wright.

The day classes of the college are open to men and women students over the age of sixteen. Students who do not live at their own homes are required to reside in the college hostels or in lodgings licensed by the college. Women students in residence for not less than one session (three terms) are required to reside in the college hostels, unless they have received the principal’s permission to reside elsewhere.

COURSES IN HORTICULTURE

The Department of Agriculture and Horticulture was founded in 1893. Its work is carried on under the inspection of the Board of Agriculture. Courses in Horticulture consist of lectures and laboratory work in the college and of practical work in the college garden and fruit station.

The college garden, four acres in extent, adjoins the main college buildings in London Road, Reading. It consists of vegetable and flower gardens and orchard, and is provided with horticultural buildings. The houses, greenhouses, vineries (early and late), peach house, etc., are used for plant and fern growing, general florist work, market work, and the culture of grapes, pot fruit trees, etc. Students spend upwards of twenty hours per week in the garden, and, in addition, pay frequent visits to neighbouring private gardens, as well as to Messrs. Sutton and Sons’ Trial Grounds, the exhibitions of the Royal Horticultural Society, and the Royal Gardens, Kew.

Besides instruction and practice in the routine operations of the garden, students are placed in charge of sections of both indoor and outdoor work. In their second year they may specialise in market and florists’ work, or in fruit growing, in preparation for work at home or in the Colonies. In all cases they pay special attention to the business side of horticulture and assist in the work of marketing and book-keeping.

During their two sessions’ course, students may take advantage of the workshop, and of the instruction in carpentry, etc., provided, to learn how to make up boxes, staging, and how to repair, glaze, and paint.

In addition to preparing for the college diploma or certificate, students may also prepare for the examinations of the Royal Horticultural Society or of the Board of Education, South Kensington.

During the session 1905–6, eleven acres of the college farm at Shinfield, two and a half miles from Reading, were planted as a fruit station. On this station students will be able to study modern methods of fruit and vegetable cultivation on a commercial scale.

Courses of instruction have been arranged as follows:—

The diploma in horticulture is awarded at the end of a two years’ course in the science and practice of horticulture. The course is designed for students who intend to take up horticulture as a career. It provides training in the sciences on which the practice of horticulture is based, in market and florist work, and in fruit-growing.

Each session of the course extends over forty weeks, including the thirty weeks of the ordinary college session, together with ten weeks of practical work only, arranged to suit the convenience of individual students.

The diploma with distinction in special subjects is awarded to students who, having gained the diploma, spend a third year at the college pursuing special studies, and who pass the examination prescribed. The course is adapted to the requirements of those who may become teachers of horticulture or specialists in some particular branch of horticulture.

Note.—The above diplomas are granted by the Oxford and Reading Joint Committee, on which are represented the college, the University of Oxford, the Royal Agricultural Society, and the Royal Horticultural Society.

The certificate in horticulture (granted by the college) is awarded to students who have followed a one-year course at the college (forty weeks) and have satisfied the examiners in the subjects of the first year examination for the diploma.

The subjects of examination for the diploma and certificate are as follows:—

Diploma (First Year) and Certificate

1. Theory and practice of horticulture (including composition of soils, cultivation, the use of tools and manures; the vegetable garden, flower garden, rose garden, rock garden; orchard, lawn, shrubbery; aquatic and bog plants).

2. Botany (theoretical and practical).

3. General chemistry and physics (theoretical and practical).

4. Book-keeping.

Diploma (Second Year)

1. Theory and practice of horticulture (including more advanced study of soils and manures, cultivation under glass, forcing, methods of dealing with fungoid diseases and insect pests, improvement of plants by budding, hybridisation, etc., packing and marketing, florists’ work, storage of fruit).

2. Botany (theoretical and practical).

3. Entomology (theoretical and practical).

The fees for the above full courses are as follows:—

For students who have resided for not less than a year in the County Borough of Reading or the administrative Counties of Berkshire, Oxfordshire, or Buckinghamshire, £18 the session of forty weeks; for other students, £24 the session.

Students may, however, enter for shorter periods than one year, and may take courses of practical work, together with such lectures as may suit their requirements. The fees are:—For five weeks, £7 7s., for ten weeks, £10 10s. In addition to the above fees, all students pay the registration fee of one shilling per session, and there are entrance fees for examinations. The cost of board and lodging at the college hostels is 21s. per week (for a cubicle), or 25s. to 30s. (for a study bedroom).

Diplomas are not awarded to candidates under the age of twenty-one.

Scholarships tenable at the college are awarded from time to time by the County Councils of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Dorset, Hampshire, Somersetshire, and Gloucestershire. Application should be made to the Education Secretaries of these counties.

Courses in Agriculture, Dairying, and Poultry-keeping are held at the college. Practical instruction is given at the College Farm, Shinfield, the British Dairy Institute, Reading, and the College Poultry Farm, Theale.

List of Women Students who have Passed the Examinations for the Diploma in Horticulture

1904.—Ellen C. Wallace. 1906.—Caroline Pellew, Lilian S. Tuckett, Brenda M. Young. 1907.—Dorothy M. Cayley, Dorothy A. E. Dyson, Adelaide M. Taylor, Henrietta C. Tuke.

“POTTING”: STUDENTS AT WORK, READING UNIVERSITY.

THE HORTICULTURAL COLLEGE, SWANLEY

Principal: Miss F. R. Wilkinson

Vice-Principal and Secretary: Miss M. Kekewich

Lady Superintendent: Mrs. Watson, South Bank, Swanley

LECTURERS

Bee-keeping, W. Herrod, F. E. S. Book-keeping, H. W. Kersey (Lecturer on Book-keeping, Wye College). Botany, Vegetable Pathology, R. J. Tabor, F. L. S. Dairy, Miss Dawson, N. D. D. (Certificate Midland Dairy Institute). [3]Entomology, F. V. Theobald, M. A., F. L. S. (Lecturer on Entomology, Wye College). Gardening, Miss Villiers-Stuart. [3]Greenhouse Construction, F. A. Fawkes. Horticultural Science and Rural Economy, F. J. Baker, A.R.C.Sc. Lond. Manual Training, W. Herrod. Poultry, Miss Dawson.

[3] Courses in these subjects are given once in two years.

Head Gardener: Mr. J. Lawson

There is also a staff of under-gardeners and labourers.

The college is situated seventeen and a half miles from London, and one and a half miles from Swanley Junction Station on the South Eastern and Chatham Railway.

Women were admitted in 1892, the college being the first place to open its doors to women students who wished to obtain a thorough training in horticulture.

It stands in forty-three acres of freehold land, allotted to flower, kitchen, market gardens, fruit plantations, playing fields, also conservatories and glass-houses for market work.

Lecture rooms and laboratories form part of the college, while adjoining are a workshop, farm buildings, apiary, dairy, poultry runs, etc.

It aims at giving a thorough training to fit women to become market growers, gardeners in private places, teachers of nature-study and colonists, or to enable them to manage their own property.

COURSES OF INSTRUCTION

The full horticultural course lasts two years, and consists of practical work out of doors and under glass, with lectures on scientific principles. Diplomas or certificates are awarded to students who have qualified.

COLONIAL BRANCH

Courses are specially arranged for intending colonists, which, in addition to gardening, include a simple training in cooking, housework, laundry, needlework, and hygiene.

NATURE-STUDY COURSE

A course for training Garden and Nature-Study mistresses in botany, zoology, geology, meteorology, and simple gardening, extends over one year.

A holiday course for school teachers is held in August, and affords special opportunities for field work, gardening, dairying, etc.

SHORT COURSES

In the spring and summer terms, courses are arranged, lasting six weeks. These include the following subjects:—gardening, dairying, poultry-keeping, bee-keeping, and fruit preserving.

ADMISSION AND FEES

The fees, which, include all expenses except medical attendance, fire in bedroom, laundress, books, and small charge for loan of microscope and tools, and the extras stated below, are, for a cubicle, from £80 a year of three terms, study-bedroom from £96 a year of three terms, out-students from £40 a year of three terms, colonial students from £16 5s. per term.

At the examination held in April, 1907, by the Royal Horticultural Society, sixteen students from the college competed, and secured places among 142 competitors:—

First class, 8; second class, 6; third class, 2.

SCHOLARSHIPS

The County Councils of Kent, London, Norfolk, and Staffordshire offer scholarships at the college to residents in their own counties. As the regulations are not identical, intending competitors should apply to the secretaries of the respective Education Committees for particulars.

Kent.—F. W. Crook, Esq., Kent Education Office, Caxton House, Westminster, S.W.

London.—The Executive Officer, Education Office, Victoria Embankment.

Staffordshire.—Graham Balfour, Esq., County Council Offices, Stafford.

Norfolk.—The Secretary, County Council Education Offices, Norwich.

Since 1892, 410 students have attended the college courses.

Through the kindness of Miss F. R. Wilkinson, I am able to quote the following interesting statistics:—

AFTER-CAREERS OF STUDENTS

Landscape gardeners, 3; market gardeners, 25; head gardeners, 26; under gardeners, 13; working in home garden, 49; “jobbing” gardeners, 9; teaching, 23; working at science, 5; poultry-keeping, 2; manageress milk depôt, 1; principals in gardening schools, 2; apiarist, 1; at Royal Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, 2.

AVERAGE SALARIES

Landscape gardeners, two guineas a week to two guineas a day head gardeners, highest, £100 a year with rooms, light and vegetables lowest, £20 a year resident; under gardeners, highest, £80 non-resident; lowest, 18s. a week, cottage and coals; schools, highest, £65 resident; lowest, £30 resident; institution, highest, £75 resident; lowest, £20 resident; jobbing, 4s. to 7s. a day; companion gardener, highest, £100; resident lowest, £30 resident.

NATURE STUDY

The following syllabus may be of interest, although the course has already taken place (July, 1907). It will show what an important place Nature Study takes in the education of women.

A course for helping those who are desirous of extending their knowledge of Nature Study will be held at the Horticultural College, Swanley.

Most of the instruction will be given (weather permitting) out of doors, rambles in the country under the guidance of experienced teachers being the chief feature.

Miss Hibbert-Ware (Science Mistress, Queen Margaret’s School, Scarborough) and Mr. Tabor (Resident Science Lecturer) will lead combined excursions for studying birds, pond life, insects, wild flowers, trees, grasses, etc., in their different environments.

The college gardens, greenhouses, orchards, farm, and fruit-preserving appliances will be in working order, and students will be able to obtain an insight into the work carried on in each department. Miss M. Agar will give demonstrations and instructions in simple gardening, and on the care of school gardens. Demonstrations in dairying and poultry-keeping will be given by Miss M. Dawson (N.D.D. and Certificate Midland Dairy Institute), who will explain the chief points of farm operations during the year.

As far as possible the open-air studies will take place within easy distance of the college, but excursions will be arranged to districts with varying soils and climate, and the accompanying variety of natural objects. Students having bicycles are advised to bring them.

It is hoped to combine the natural history excursions with points of antiquarian, artistic, and other interest in outlying districts, and endeavour will be made to render the course useful, both for home life and school work.

FEES

(Payable in advance or on arrival)

For teachers and those training to be teachers, including tuition, board, and lodging, and expenses of excursions, £5 5s.; single room; extra, 10s. 6d.; to those not engaged in teaching an extra fee will be charged of £1 1s.

STUDIES IN PLANT LIFE AND PLANT GEOGRAPHY

By R. J. Tabor, F.L.S. (Resident Science Lecturer), and M. Wilson, B.Sc. Lond.

The work of this course will be arranged on the assumption that most of the students will have had some previous training in elementary botany.

Its objects will be to extend their knowledge of plants in the field, and especially of the various plant associations and their adaptation to their surroundings. For this purpose excursions will be arranged to study the flora of woods, ponds and streams, moors and heaths, fresh and salt water marshes.

An explanatory lecture, illustrated with lantern slides, will be given on the eve of each excursion, in which the special features to be noted in the next day’s work will be described.

The special subject for this year’s course will be “Common British Trees and Shrubs,” and on alternate days laboratory work will be provided, in order that students may become familiar with the distinguishing characters of their leaves, twigs, buds, etc., to enable them to identify these plants in summer and winter.

Facilities will be provided for making collections of common plants for subsequent reference. Students are recommended to bring a flora and a vasculum.

If time permits, a demonstration will be given towards the end of the course on the arrangement and carrying out of simple experiments in plant physiology.

STUDIES IN POND LIFE, INSECTS AND BIRDS, GEOLOGY AND ASTRONOMY

By Miss Hibbert-Ware (Science Mistress at Queen Margaret’s School, Scarborough)

Pond Life.—The management of aquaria. The life-history, breathing, adaptations, etc., of the various aquatic creatures obtained on the excursions.

Insect Life.—Some garden friends and foes (e.g., ladybird, cockchafer).

Birds.—The habits and call notes of common British birds so far as they can be studied during August. Opportunity will be given to students of learning to identify the birds from museum specimens, and also of preparing the skins of birds and small mammals for class use.

Geology.—The origin, composition, and history of some common rocks and fossils, especially those observed and collected on the excursions.

Astronomy.—The subjects of four of the evening lectures will be: 1. The solar system; 2 and 3. The starry heavens; 4. The earth as a member of the solar system.

A part of these lectures will be held out-of-doors.

N.B.—Students are recommended to bring note-books containing both blank and lined pages and paint boxes.

GARDEN LECTURES AND DEMONSTRATIONS

By Miss M. Agar (College Diploma, Landscape Gardener to the Metropolitan Public Gardens Association)

Sowing Seeds.—Seed-bed, temperature, moisture, depth of sowing, vitality of seed, pricking out seedlings—potting on.

Propagation by Cuttings.—Nodes, internodes, growing points, callus, formation of roots—potting on.

(Supplementary: Propagation by leaves, roots, “ringing stems.”)

Budding.—Scion, stocks, time for budding.

Pruning.—Fruit trees, bush fruits, roses.

Demonstrations will be given in the grounds with the exception of pruning, for which the time of the year is unsuitable.

The last published report of the Swanley College will be found of interest.

REPORT: DECEMBER 31ST, 1906

During the past year gratifying progress can be reported in each department of the college work. The value to women of systematic training in the various branches of horticulture is becoming more and more widely recognised from both the utilitarian and educational standpoints. It opens the door to attractive and remunerative employment in many directions, while it serves as an admirable complement to the mental training of the High School or the University. No one doubts that healthy occupation in the open air for a couple of years or so goes far towards counteracting the morbid tendencies which occasionally result from exclusive attention to literary studies, and promotes moral no less than physical development. That the advantages offered by Swanley in this respect are appreciated is evidenced by the number of students who attend solely to cultivate those faculties for which the ordinary school or college makes no provision, and to acquire a knowledge of natural and physical phenomena that will prove of increasing interest throughout their lives.

For those destined for a professional career, whether as teachers or gardeners, the opportunities are daily increasing. The growth of gardens, as instruments of education, in connection with elementary and secondary schools within the past two or three years has been remarkable. The number of elementary school gardens has risen from 379 in 1903 to 570 in 1905 according to the last report of the Board of Education. In 1906 there was a very considerable advance, but the exact figures have not yet been issued, nor are any statistics available in regard to secondary schools. The great difficulty in every county is the scarcity of teachers qualified to undertake gardening and general nature-study. For these duties the training at Swanley affords an excellent preparation. Lord Onslow, when, as President of the Board of Agriculture, he distributed the prizes in July, 1904, particularly emphasised this point. A student who has followed the complete course may obtain a position as gardening or nature-study mistress at a secondary school, or as a peripatetic teacher of those subjects for a group of elementary day schools. With the object of assisting those already engaged in such tuition as well as those who contemplate a similar appointment, the college now provides a Special Third-year Course in natural history.

The demand for well-trained gardeners, capable of acting as the head and assuming the responsibility for a large private garden, exceeds the supply. Applications have again and again to be refused. These posts are desirable in themselves, and furnish infinite scope for the exercise of individual taste and skill. We are glad to note that the salaries offered are somewhat higher than formerly, but they are still often insufficient to attract the best and most promising students.

STUDLEY HORTICULTURAL COLLEGE, STUDLEY, WARWICKSHIRE

Founder: The Countess of Warwick

Warden: Miss Mabel C. Faithful

STAFF OF INSTRUCTORS

Horticulture, Mr. W. Iggulden, F.R.H.S., and Mr. W. Sarsons; Botany, Mr. W. B. Groves, M.A. (Cantab); Poultry, Mr. George A. Palmer; Dairy Farming and Agriculture, Dairy Instructress, Miss K. A. Baynes, N.D.D., B.D.F.A., Diploma; Book-keeping and Business Training, Mr. A. E. M. Long (Chartered Accountant); Apiculture, Mr. W. Herrod, F.E.S.; Fruit Bottling and Jam Making, Miss Cran; Cooking Lessons, Miss Faithfull.

Studley Castle is situated about two and a half miles from Studley Station (Midland Railway) on a branch line between Birmingham and Evesham.

AT WORK IN THE VINERY, STUDLEY COLLEGE FOR LADY GARDENERS.

Students may enter for a course of instruction in any of the following groups:—

(a) Horticulture and Bee-keeping.—Certificate course two years; diploma course three years.

(b) Dairy Work, Poultry and Bee-keeping.—Certificate course one year; diploma course two years.

The Session (year) is of 40 weeks’ duration, and consists of three terms of about thirteen weeks each, beginning respectively in September, January, and May. Students are advised to enter at the commencement of the session, in September, although they can be admitted at any time.

An examination in each group is held at the end of every term. A final examination is held at the end of the session (July), and Studley College certificates and diplomas are awarded to successful candidates who have completed their full course.

Short courses of instruction lasting either six or ten weeks are held at the college, the subjects taught being in accordance with the work done in each department at the particular time of year.

Studley College grants diplomas and certificates to those students who have completed their training, and who have passed the necessary examinations. It is believed that these diplomas and certificates will have a distinct value in the educational and business world, as being the distinctions awarded to skilled and practical workers.

The arrangements for the horticultural sections are as follow:—

Certificate in horticulture, both practical and theoretical, will be granted after two years’ training; it will include horticulture, botany, soils and manures, entomology, and book-keeping. The diploma in horticulture will only be granted after three years’ training.

SCHEME OF WORK

1.—Students may prepare for either or both the examinations of the Royal Horticultural Society and Studley College certificate and diploma.

(a) The Royal Horticultural Society.—This examination is held in April or May, and includes:—

The Elementary Principles on which Horticultural practice is based: (1) Soils; (2) Requirements of growth—water, heat, air; (3) Seeds; (4) Roots; (5) Stems and Branches; (6) Leaves; (7) Tubers and Bulbs; (8) Growth and Development; (9)Flowers; (10)Fruit; (11)Seed; (12) Variation and Selection; (13) Names and Orders of Common Garden Plants, Trees, etc.

Horticultural Operations and Practice.—(1) Elements of Surveying and Landscape Gardening; (2) Choice of Site for Garden; (3) Description and use of Implements; (4) Operations connected with the Cultivation of the Land; (5) Propagation; (6) Fruit Culture; (7) Vegetable Culture; (8) Flower Culture; (9) Manures; (10) Hybridisation and Selection; (11) Arboriculture; (12) Insect and Fungus Pests.

Practical Work.—This includes the care of lawns (mowing and rolling), paths and beds; weeding, potting; planting and propagating flowers and vegetables; mixing soils; seed sowing. Work in kitchen and flower gardens, shrubberies, greenhouses, frames, and hot beds. Budding, grafting, pruning, and planting. Rotation of crops. Orchard work. Cultivation of tomatoes, cucumbers, and melons. Planting of herbaceous borders. Classification of plants, fertilisation. Diseases of plants. Labelling plants and seeds. Table decorations, wreath and bouquet making.

Bee-keeping.—Students are prepared for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Class Experts’ Examination of the British Bee-keepers’ Association and are fully instructed in apiculture, both in theory and practice.

Fruit bottling and preserving.—Course of instruction in fruit bottling and preserving, jam making, etc., will be held during the fruit season (June to October). Students can join for two weeks at a time or longer. Fee, including board and residence, £5 5s. for two weeks.

Marketing department and business training.—Students, on the completion of their full course, may take a course for three months in the marketing department, at the usual fees. This will enable them to obtain a knowledge of this important branch, which it is impossible for them to get during their regular period of training. Students may enter for this branch alone if desired.

The course includes:—Business methods; the markets, and methods of buying and selling goods; packing; railway rates, etc.

Manual training.—Instruction in manual training and woodwork is given by the college carpenter, and includes:—Tools, their names and uses, proper methods of using and sharpening; simple joints, etc. Construction of portable poultry-house and appliances; beehives and appliances, garden appliances, and various articles of general utility.

FEES

All fees are required to be paid terminally in advance, i.e., on or before the first day of each term. A full term’s notice in writing must be given to the Warden before the removal of any student from the college in default of which notice payment of the term’s fees will be required. Notice of removal received after a term has begun will take effect at the end of the term next ensuing.

Short courses:—Students may enter for these at any time when they are arranged.

All fees must be paid in advance. In no cases can fees be returned.

RESIDENT STUDENTS

Full training, with board and residence at the college, in horticulture, or dairy and poultry work: cubicle, £80 a year; study-bedroom, £100 and £120 a year. Short courses for ten weeks: cubicle, £25; study-bedroom, £30. Short courses for six weeks: cubicle, £15; study-bedroom, £18. Bee-keeping is optional, and may be combined with either of the above courses, an additional fee of £5 5s. a year, or £2 2s. a term, being charged. Fruit bottling and preserving:—Two weeks’ course, including board and residence, £5 5s. Manual training and carpentering, £3 3s. a year, or £1 10s. a term. Cooking lessons, £1 5s. a term. Extra charges: Use of microscopes, 5s. a year; use of gardening tools, 5s. a year; use of carpentering tools, 5s. a year.

PREPARING THE FRAMES AT STUDLEY COLLEGE FOR LADY GARDENERS.

NON-RESIDENT STUDENTS

Non-resident students can be received at the college under certain conditions. Fees for instruction in each department, 25s. a week, or £13 6s. 8d. per term.

Candidates for admission to the college are requested to write to the Warden for full particulars and admission form, which must be filled in with the name, age, and experience of the intending student, the particular course of study which she wishes to follow, and her ultimate object in seeking instruction. (These admission forms will be regarded as strictly confidential. After receiving notification that her application has been accepted, the intending student will be liable for a term’s fees.)

The Warden of the college prefers to interview intending students previous to admission whenever possible.

The college is open to visitors, but they are asked to make an appointment beforehand. The best route is from Euston, 9.20, reaching Birmingham 11.30; train for Studley, 12 o’clock, from same station; returning from Studley, 4.38, and Birmingham, 7 o’clock. Studley can also be reached from Paddington, G.W.R., viâ Evesham. Students must be in residence at the college on the day previous to the commencement of a term.

ROYAL BOTANIC SOCIETY OF LONDON PRACTICAL GARDENING SCHOOL FOR LADIES

Held in the Society’s Gardens, Regent’s Park, and officially recognised by the Technical Education Board of the London County Council.

The course of instruction extends over three years, and commences on October 1st.

SUBJECTS: FIRST YEAR

Outdoor Work.—Ground operations, implements used; levelling with borning rods; draining; formation of paths, beds, and lawns; trenching, digging and hoeing; preparation for planting, etc.; care of lawns—mowing with machine, sweeping, weeding, and rolling; flower gardening—herbaceous borders, pricking off, planting; staking, tying and watering; vegetable and fruit garden—double digging, manuring; preparation of seed beds; aërating the soil.

Indoor Work.—Cleaning and crocking pots; materials required for composts; potting, watering, cleaning, staking, tying and top-dressing plants; propagation by cuttings, as geraniums, etc.; pricking off seedlings.

SECOND YEAR

Outdoor Work.—Preparing and storing manure, methods of application; care of lawns, flower and kitchen garden, shrubbery, fernery, etc.; sowing vegetable and flower seeds, and planting tubers; growing vegetables, flowers and fruits; outdoor tomato culture.

Indoor Work.—Horticultural buildings, repairing, painting and glazing; propagation by division of roots, stems, and tubers; forcing and retarding; insects and fungoid pests; methods of extermination; melon, cucumber and tomato culture.

Theoretical Work.—Suitable manures for various soils; principles of hot-water heating.

THIRD YEAR

Pruning trees and shrubs; mowing with scythe; special classes of plants; hybridisation and selection; care of conservatory, plant houses, frames and pits; spraying plants; mushroom culture; vine and fig culture; budding and grafting; labelling.

Theoretical Work.—Keeping garden accounts, stock books, stores, etc.; purchase of pots, gravel, sand, peat, manure, etc.; elementary meteorology; theory of landscape gardening; plant parasites; sprays and washes for insect pests; classes and laboratory work in botany and horticultural chemistry.

The society undertakes that each pupil shall be given opportunities for studying and practising each of the above subjects, but it cannot guarantee that in every case the order of the above list will be adhered to.

FEES FOR THE ABOVE COURSE

First year, £20; second year, £15; third year, £10. Floral decoration is £1. 1s. per annum.

A year’s course in gardening is given to ladies who possess gardens in the country. Early application should be made to the superintendent, Mrs. J. Bryant Sowerby, Botanic Gardens, Regent’s Park.

Amongst the rules I see that pupils must attend at the gardens at 9.30 a.m. in summer, and 10 a.m. in winter, and are allowed an interval of one hour and a half (12.30 to 2) in the middle of the day.

Six students having passed out of the Royal Botanic Gardens are working their own gardens. Two have started as market gardeners. Several are working as jobbing gardeners and companion gardeners.

THE EDINBURGH SCHOOL OF GARDENING FOR WOMEN, CORSTORPHINE, EDINBURGH

Miss Barker and Miss Morison,

Diplomées of Swanley Horticultural College; Certificated Gardeners, Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh

The objects of this school are to prepare women for the various branches of practical professional gardening—to fit them for managing a market garden, or for taking charge of private gardens—and to give instruction to those who wish to devote themselves with intelligence to gardening as a private interest.

Situation.—The gardens are situated on the south slope of Corstorphine Hill, in a charming district just beyond the suburbs of Edinburgh. They are within two miles of the west end of the city, within three minutes’ walk of the 'bus service, and within seven minutes’ walk of Corstorphine railway station. The position is eminently suitable both for gardening and for residence.

Grounds.—Part of the garden is devoted to growing for market, and students are taught how to work a market garden through all its stages—from the preparation of the ground and sowing the seeds to the packing of the produce for the market. In this department is included the growing of stuff under glass, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, flowers, etc. Another department deals with the requirements of good private gardens, and includes a vinery, peach-house, mushroom-house, rose garden, herbaceous border, and kitchen garden.

Practical Instruction.—The practical instruction includes all the details of actual work, such as hoeing, digging, care of glass-houses, propagation of plants by seeds, cuttings, etc.; planting-out, thinning, potting, pruning, gathering, and packing. Demonstrations, in which the students take a practical part, are given by experts in bee-keeping and floral decoration, including bouquet-making, sprays and button-holes, table decoration, and wreaths.

Theoretical Instruction.—All intelligent practical work must include a certain amount of theoretical instruction in order to explain the reasons for the various operations necessary. At the same time a more formal and exact study of the sciences underlying the practice of gardening is necessary, and in order to obtain this the students attend certain classes at the Edinburgh and East of Scotland College of Agriculture. Students are prepared for the Royal Horticultural Society’s Examination.

The Curriculum.—The full curriculum extends over two years. Shorter courses may be arranged for those who wish to study with a view to private instruction only, and do not propose to follow gardening as a profession.

The Diploma.—Every care is taken in the arrangements for practical instruction, lectures and examinations, to ensure that the diploma shall be a reliable guarantee of thorough efficiency in the theory and practice of gardening. It will be granted only to students who have taken part in the regular practical work of the school for two years, and have passed satisfactorily examinations in the following subjects:—

Horticulture (Royal Horticultural Society’s Examination), practical horticulture, botany, agricultural chemistry, book-keeping.

Boarding arrangements.—Both resident and non-resident students are received. Resident students live with the principals, Miss Barker and Miss Morison. Two references are required from each student.

Terms.—The session is divided into three terms, beginning respectively in May, October, and January. Students are advised to begin either in May or in October.

Fees.—Resident students, £70 a year; resident students, with separate bedroom, £86; non-resident students, with dinner and tea, £40. Fees are payable at the beginning of each term. A term’s notice is required before a student leaves, otherwise the fee for the term will be charged.

Examiner in Practical Horticulture—Mr. Berry, East of Scotland College of Agriculture.

CLASSES TAKEN AT THE EDINBURGH AND EAST OF SCOTLAND COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE

Horticulture, Mr. G. P. Berry. Agricultural Chemistry, A. Lauder, D.Sc. Agricultural Natural History, R. S. MacDougall, M.A., D.Sc., F.R.S.E.

CLASS TAKEN AT THE HERIOT-WATT COLLEGE

Botany (Advanced and Elementary), R. S. MacDougall, M.A., D.Sc., F.R.S.E.

The Year’s Work

The following sketch calendar of the actual work shared in by the students month by month may be of service to those who have little practical acquaintance with gardening. No sketch of this kind can show all the details of daily work, and the separation into months is merely for convenience, as in almost every case the work of one month overlaps with that of another. Certain operations, such as hoeing and weeding, extend throughout the greater part of the year; plants under glass require daily attention, and, in addition, there is the specialised culture required by special classes of plants—vines, peaches, tomatoes, etc.—which is not indicated in this calendar:—

January.—In this month there is much important work to be done under glass and in the forcing-houses. Seeds are sown almost daily—flower seeds, such as annual carnations, petunias, antirrhinums, etc.; and vegetables, such as lettuce, leeks, onions, cauliflowers, cucumbers, tomatoes, etc. There are also the gathering and packing of forced flowers and rhubarb, and the forcing of these and other plants. When possible, seed-beds are prepared in the open.

February.—Much of January’s work is continued this month. Seed-sowing goes on, some of it in the open. Plants sown in January have to be potted and pricked out in pans and boxes. Watering, heating, and ventilation in the various glass-houses require great attention. The taking of chrysanthemum cuttings is continued from last month.

March.—This is perhaps the busiest month of the garden year. The preparation of seed-beds and the cleaning of the ground must be completed, as well as the sowing of almost every vegetable that is in the garden, of hardy annual flowers in the open, and of half-hardy annuals in frames. Strawberries are planted, young tomatoes potted on, cucumbers attended to, and more seed sown for late crops. Rooted chrysanthemum cuttings have to be potted on.

April.—Much time this month must be devoted to seedlings to prevent overcrowding and weakening. Cauliflowers are planted out, and vegetable marrows sown in pots for planting out later. More sowings of vegetables and of hardy annuals are made, and half-hardy annuals are hardened-off previous to planting in the open.

May.—In this month sowings are repeated of all vegetables required for succession. Celery plants are pricked out and trenches prepared. Cabbages are planted; out runner beans are sown; weeding and hoeing go on constantly.

June.—The gathering, bunching, and packing of cut flowers form an important part of this month’s work. Celery is put in trenches; mushroom-beds are prepared. Much attention is required by tomatoes and cucumbers.

July.—Flowers for cutting are now more plentiful, and, in addition, the smaller fruits have to be gathered and packed for market. Carnations have to be layered, and strawberry runners pegged down. Broccoli and cabbage are planted out; biennial and perennial flowers may still be sown.

August and September.—These months are the school holidays. The chief work in the garden is the continued gathering and packing of fruit and flowers, and keeping the ground clean.

October.—Bulbs are potted to be forced when well rooted; wallflower is transplanted to its blooming quarters; chrysanthemums are brought in, and celery is earthed up. Vacant plots of ground can be made ready for winter by digging and manuring.

November.—Some bulbs can be planted out in the open; plants ready for forcing are brought in. Cucumbers for an early crop are sown now, and mustard and cress are sown weekly. The glass and brickwork of the houses are thoroughly cleaned. When weather permits, the pruning of fruit-trees and bushes is carried on in this and the other winter months. Chrysanthemums are bunched and packed for market.

December.—Rhubarb is brought in for forcing; vines are pruned, and peach-trees trained.

In bad weather, work is carried on in the glass-houses or the potting-shed, or the time is allowed for study.

ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS, GLASNEVIN, DUBLIN, IRELAND

F. W. Moore, Esq., Director of the above gardens, is kind enough to admit two ladies as students in horticulture. No fees are charged, and there is no remuneration of any sort given. There is no syllabus, as the students work under the immediate direction of Mr. Moore. They obtain a thorough knowledge of general garden practice. Cross pollination, collecting seeds, fruit pruning, and all kinds of work, both indoors and out-of-doors, is taught. It is not possible to obtain a more general gardening experience than is given here. All lectures are free. The places are usually taken some years in advance. The first two ladies came on July 1, 1898, and eighteen in all have passed through up to 1907. Of these, the following are at present actively employed as follows:—

Lucy Douglas, County Council Instructor in Horticulture, Co. Cavan; Jane Langley, gardening, laying out gardens, giving advice, good employment in Co. Waterford; Katherine Kinnear, market and nursery gardening in Scotland; Rose Pollock, private secretary and assistant to F. W. Moore, Esq., Botanic Gardens, Dublin; Jean Rogers, working as head gardener; Christina Carlyon, instructor in horticultural college in South Africa; Jane Garner, working her own garden, and botanical and horticultural teacher in Dublin; Emmeline Crocker, head gardener over a large garden in Cornwall; May Crosbie, working her own garden. The students can obtain comfortable and cheap rooms in Dublin, in order to attend daily at the gardens.

The London County Council has organised classes for gardeners, which ladies may attend at

THE LONDON COUNTY COUNCIL NORWOOD TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, KNIGHT’S HILL, WEST NORWOOD

The following are the syllabuses:

BOTANY (THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL), 5s. PER COURSE

Stage I.—(Elementary): Fridays, 9–10; Practical Class, 7.30–9. Stage II. (Advanced): Fridays, 6.30–7.30; Practical Class, 7.30–9

Lecturer: Miss Eva Whitley, B.Sc.

Stage I. (Covering the London Matriculation Syllabus)

Elementary.—The study of the typical flowering plant; the form and function of the plant organs and the variations which adapt them to special conditions; the inflorescence; the pollination and fertilisation of flowers, fruits and seeds; germination; the nutrition, respiration and growth of plants; the movements exhibited by plants; the outlines of the cellular structure of plants; elements of plant classification, with special reference to some of the more important British natural orders.

Stage II. (Covering the Inter-Science Syllabus)

Advanced.—More advanced work in the subjects taken in the elementary course. Study of typical members of the larger sub-divisions of the plant world (pinus, picra, selaginella, aspidium, funaria, pellia, fucus, spirogyra, hæmatococcus, agaricus, eurotium, puccinia, parmelia, collema, pythium, mucor, saccharomyces), and of additional natural orders to those taken in Stage I.; plant œcology.

In the practical class specimens are examined and described, microscopic preparations made, and a few of the simpler experiments illustrative of physiological processes are carried out.

Two or three museum visits are arranged during the session. These classes should prove useful and interesting to those engaged in horticulture and the allied callings.

GARDENING, 2s. 6d. PER COURSE

Lecturer: Chas. H. Curtis, F.R.H.S.

Tuesdays, 7.45–9.15

SYLLABUS

Introduction.—Need for better methods. How to plant.

Soils.—Kinds and values. Cultivation and improvement. Manures and their value for certain crops and soils. Propagation. Seeds and seedlings. Cuttings and layers. Budding and grafting. Spring-flowering bulbs. Selections.

Planting and potting.—Chrysanthemums for garden and greenhouses.

Small fruits.—Varieties for town and suburban gardens. Pruning and training. Choice fruits; peaches, nectarines, figs, grapes and melons.

Beautiful trees and shrubs.—Flowering, deciduous and evergreen. Rock, wall, and water gardening.

Lawns and walks. Fences and screens. Edgings. Window, balcony, and home gardening. Garden design and improvement. The use and abuse of garden tools. Herbaceous borders. Selections and times of flowering. Summer bedding plants and flowers. Autumn flowers. Conservatory and greenhouse. Annual and biennial plants. Roses for summer and autumn.

Vegetable culture.—Root crops. Onions, leeks, and shallots. Cauliflowers, winter greenstuffs. Salads. Peas for small gardens, beans, marrows, tomatoes. Asparagus, seakale, mushrooms. Forcing.

The syllabus is subject to alteration to meet the needs of the class. Each lecture will be illustrated by specimens, demonstration, blackboard diagrams, etc. Several outings and daylight demonstrations will be arranged during the session.

Ladies may attend the following courses arranged by the London County Council at

BROWNHILL ROAD EVENING SCIENCE, ART, ETC., COMMERCIAL CENTRE, CATFORD, S.E.

Five shillings the session is charged to students over sixteen, and 2s. 6d. to those under sixteen, for one or more subjects, including science and art.

BIOLOGY AND NATURE STUDY

Instructor: Mr. G. Alford

In the first stage, students will investigate the external features, general structure, mode of life, surroundings, life-history, and habits of flowering plants, yeast, frog, amœba, etc.

In the second stage the subjects of the elementary class will be studied more fully, together with the earthworm, crayfish, dogfish, pine, fern, selaginella.

The practical work will deal with nutrition, respiration, etc., including dissection and the microscopic examination of the smaller organisms.

HORTICULTURE

Instructor: Mr. E. H. Smith

This course of lectures is arranged specially for those who take an interest in gardening.

The syllabus of instruction deals with: the cultivation of vegetables, hardy fruit, etc.; the management of the orchard house, flower garden, flowers under glass, seed growing, propagation, etc.

Ladies may attend the courses offered by the London County Council at

BLOOMFIELD ROAD EVENING COMMERCIAL AND SCIENCE AND ART CENTRE, PLUMSTEAD

Five shillings the session for one or more subjects, including science and art, for students over sixteen. For those under sixteen, 2s. 6d. per session for one or more subjects.

BOTANY—STAGES I. AND II.

Instructor: Mr. W. P. Bolas

The lectures will cover but not be confined to the syllabus of the Board of Education. Every assistance will be given to those engaged in the teaching of Nature study. Practical work with experiments forms a special feature of the course. Formation of collections of dried specimens of leaves, fruits, seeds, etc. Special study of British wild flowers. Occasional botanical rambles and visits to places of botanical interest.

Text Books:—Stage I.—Oliver’s “Elementary Botany.”

Stage II.—Lowson’s “Second Stage Botany.”

HORTICULTURE

Stage I.—This stage provides an elementary course on the science of plant life and soil, and will be taught chiefly by experiment and observation.

Plant life.—Seeds. Roots. Leaves structure, transpiration, formation of starch. Stems. Buds. Flowers. Fruits. Seeds. Annuals, biennials, bulbs, tubers, perennials.

The soil.—Plant food. Origin and composition of soils. How plants appropriate food from the soil.

Stage II.—Soil and situation.—Conditions which render land suitable to particular forms of horticulture. Market gardening. Hardy fruit growing. Nursery stock. Cultivation under glass. Proximity to markets or stations. Cost of labour and manure. Conditions of tenure.

Arrangements.—Design of a garden to suit particular purposes. Shelter hedges and wind breaks. Water supply. Roadways and paths.

Tillage.—The various operations and tools required. Drainage. The amelioration of the soil by liming, claying, the incorporation of lightening materials on clay soils.

Composts and manures.—Loam, peat, leaf mould, farmyard manure, liquid manure, artificial manures.

Vegetables.—The cultivation of the standard vegetables in the open air (1) for show, (2) for private consumption, (3) for market work. Preparation of land, time of sowing, manures, management, insect pests, harvesting and storing of each crop. The character of the leading varieties of the cabbage, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, spinach, etc., celery, turnips, beet, carrots, parsnips, potatoes, onions, peas and beans, asparagus and seakale, tomatoes in the open air. Succession of crops. Forcing. Growth of tomatoes, beans, cucumbers, etc., under glass. Mushrooms under glass and in sheds.

Hardy fruit.—Preparation of the land, planting, pruning and root management, manures. Spraying. Leading varieties of strawberries, gooseberries, raspberries, currants, apples, plums, pears and cherries, filberts and other nuts. Renovation of old fruit trees.

Orchard house.—Peaches, nectarines, figs, apricots, cherries, etc. Insect pests, etc.

The flower garden.—Hardy and half-hardy annuals. Bedding out. The herbaceous border. The rock garden and hardy fernery. Management of roses, etc., for show.

Flowers under glass.—Azaleas, ericas, etc., lily of the valley, etc., rose, chrysanthemums, etc.

Shrubs and trees.—Flowering shrubs, etc.

Seed growing.—Saving and storing seed. Cross fertilisation and hybridising. Selection and fixation of new varieties.

Propagation.—Division, offsets. Bulbous plants. Soft and hard wooded cuttings. Layering. Stocks for fruit trees, etc. Grafting and budding.

Ladies may attend the course of instruction offered by the London County Council at

KILMORIE ROAD EVENING COMMERCIAL AND ART CENTRE, FOREST HILL, S.E.

Five shillings fee per session is charged to students over sixteen, and 2s. 6d. per session to those under sixteen.

HORTICULTURE

The syllabus of the Royal Horticultural Society will be taken

Elementary principles on which horticultural practice is based.—Soils, good and bad; their mineral composition; chemical nature of fertilisers and their respective values. The physiological values of water, heat, and air in plant growth. The structure of seeds and their modes of germination; the chemical phenomena of germination; the movements of seedlings and the uses of them. The functions of roots; their anatomical structure; hindrances to healthy root-action and their remedies. The uses of stems and branches; the anatomical structure of ordinary dicotyledonous and of a monocotyledonous stem. The physiological functions of leaves, and the action of light upon them. The structure of tubers and other subterranean stems; the structure of bulbs and buds; the general phenomena of vegetative multiplication. The physiological processes undergone in growth and development; the structure of an active cell, and the process of cell-division and the formation of tissues. The structure of flower-buds and of flowers; the methods of pollination, natural and artificial. The process of impregnation of the ovule, and the formation of embryo and endosperm. The classification and description of fruits; the changes and development during ripening. The general characters of the commoner families of plants in cultivation. The origin of species.

Horticultural operations and practice.—Elements of surveying and landscape gardening. Choice of site for garden. Description and use of implements under each head. Operations connected with the cultivation of the land, with explanations and illustrations of good and bad methods; digging and trenching; draining, hoeing, stirring the soil, and weeding; watering; preparation of seed beds; rolling and raking, sowing, transplanting and thinning; potting, planting; aspects, positions, and shelter; staking; earthing and blanching, etc. Propagation, elementary principles; cuttings, buddings and grafting, stocks used, layering, division, branch pruning, root pruning; old and young trees and bushes. Training. Fruit culture: Open air and under glass; small fruits; apples and pears; stone fruits; gathering and storing; packing and marketing. General knowledge of fruits, and selection of varieties. Vegetable culture: tubers and roots; green vegetables; fruit and seeds; rotation of crops, and selection of varieties. Flower culture, outside and under glass. Manures and their application. Improvement of plants by cross-breeding, hybridisation and selection. Arboriculture: trees and shrubs and their culture. Insect and Fungus pests; prevention and treatment.

Examination.—Royal Horticultural Society in April.

PARTICULARS REGARDING SCHOOL GARDENS AT SCHOOLS MAINTAINED BY THE LONDON COUNTY COUNCIL

There are at present a number of schools maintained by the Council where gardens exist. As a rule these gardens are kept in condition by the caretaker or by the teachers and pupils. In such cases it is the practice to allow an annual expenditure in respect of the garden, the amount varying from 10s. to £2. In one case, namely, Bailey’s Lane Mixed School, South Tottenham, an annual expenditure of £3 3s. is allowed, but at this school cottage gardening is taken as a grant-earning subject, the Head Master being recognised as a qualified teacher by the Board of Education.

With this exception the gardens are used for the purposes of instruction in botany and nature study.

Special teachers are not engaged for the purpose of giving instruction in gardening.

The Council has at present under consideration the general question of the formation and maintenance of gardens in certain schools, and it is proposed that all work in connection therewith shall be carried out by a staff of gardeners employed by the Council, and that the gardens shall be utilised for the purpose of instruction of the pupils in nature study by the teachers on the staff.

CHAPTER XV
CONTINENTAL SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

BELGIUM

I am told upon good authority that although up to the present moment no schools of horticulture have been founded for ladies, the Government is contemplating the institution of one. In 1907 six young ladies joined the classes of the Government School of Horticulture at Ghent. At the Vilvorde Government School of Horticulture three young women (foreigners) followed the school training, and one of them received a diploma. Quite recently a horticultural section has been opened in the Pensionnat d’Hiverlé, and three young ladies have joined it. Belgium possesses many écoles ménagères agricoles for women, but these are more for agricultural or farming supervision.

At the Horticultural Congress held in 1907 at St. Crond (in the province of Lunbourg), M. de Vuyst read an interesting paper in favour of gardening instruction for ladies.

Mademoiselle Rossignon in her admirable private school for girls at 86, Rue Gachard, Avenue Louise, Brussels, has organised classes where gardening is taught. Here, each girl has the management of a plot of ground, and elementary landscape gardening from simple designs is shown. Besides being taught the use to which land can be put for the cultivation of vegetables, fruit and flowers, students can learn preserving and cooking fruits and vegetables.

DENMARK

I have received the following report from the National Council of Women of Denmark, Copenhagen. There are in Denmark no horticultural colleges for women only. But the colleges and schools admit women, and usually on the same conditions as men.

I.—DEN KONGELIGE VETERINOR AND LAND BOHOJSKOLE

(The Royal Veterinary and Agricultural College),

Copenhagen

(Public State Institution), has also a division for horticulture. The training is chiefly theoretical, and does not include practical gardening, which must be learned elsewhere. The course lasts for two years (of two terms each), and leads up to a state examination; the candidate who successfully passes this has the title of “havebrugskandidat.”

Certain entrance qualifications are required. The entrance fee is 10 kr.,[4] the fee per term (two terms a year), about 50 kr.; the examination fees, Part I., 15 kr.; Part II., 25 kr. Scholarships may be obtained. The college is not residential, and the students are not subject to any rules out of school hours. Women are admitted on exactly the same terms as men, but very few have hitherto graduated—only one before 1894, and six after that time.

[4] One krone = 1s. 1½d.

The instruction is partly oral, partly in writing, partly work in the laboratories. Botanical excursions are held nearly every week in the spring and autumn. Practical training in surveying and levelling is given in July of the first year’s course.

SYLLABUS: LECTURES, CLASSES, PRACTICAL WORK, AND DEMONSTRATION

THE EXAMINATIONS COMPRISE:—

Part I. (after the first year’s course)

Physics and meteorology, oral; chemistry, oral, practical and written; knowledge of soils, oral; botany, oral; surveying and levelling, practical drawing.

Part II. (after the second year’s course)

(No one is admitted to Part II. who has not passed satisfactorily in Part I.)

General horticulture, oral and written; cultivation of vegetables, oral and written; orchard and nursery gardening, oral and written; laying out of gardens, etc., oral and written; forcing of useful plants, oral; horticultural botany, oral; pathology of plants, oral; horticultural zoology, oral; agricultural chemistry, practical and written; composing of garden plans.

II.—HAVEBRUGSHOJSKOLEN “VILVORDE” PR. CHARLOTTENLUND, NEAR COPENHAGEN

This is a residential school for gardeners, both men and women. A full course is of two or two-and-a-half years, comprising both practical and theoretical training. The preferable age for students is from eighteen to twenty. To be admitted the student must have been occupied with gardening for two years. If there is room students without this qualification may be admitted, but these must stay three years at the school.

In the summer theory is studied from 6 till 10 a.m., practical work, 10.30 a.m. till 5.30 p.m.; in the winter, theory is from 2 till 6 p.m., practical work, 7.30 a.m. till 1 p.m.

The examinations are controlled by the Education Department. They are both theoretical and practical.

Eight women have been trained during the three years since this examination was instituted. The school itself is more than twenty-five years old.

The fees for board, lodging, and instruction are on an average 35 kroner per month for the first year, and 32 kroner per month for the second year.

III.—THE ROYAL GARDENS AT ROSENBORG CASTLE, COPENHAGEN

Both men and women pupils are received, for a two years’ course. The training is chiefly practical. Theoretical instruction is given during winter in two lessons of two hours each a week in the mornings, and three lessons of two hour each in the afternoons. In summer there are some lessons in botany. During their training men get 10 kr. a month the first year, 24 kr. the second. Women get nothing the first year, 10 kr. a month the second, but then they have not exactly the same work.

A practical examination can be entered for after five years’ practical gardening: sometimes old students come back after some years to go in for this examination. Not many women have been trained at Rosenborg, and only one has had an appointment there—for a short time after her training.

Several estates and market gardens take women as pupils, but the training is only practical. Very few women earn an independent living as gardeners; market gardening is usually considered rather hard work for women, and, besides, requires capital, and no woman has hitherto obtained a superior situation in any of the larger gardens, public or private. When they obtain a post they are usually paid less than the men for the same work.

Upon the whole, gardening in Denmark does not seem at present to be a very recommendable career for women who have to earn their living by it. On the other hand, many women now study it for use in their own homes. Thus there are State-aided courses for cottagers’ wives and daughters both at Kjarhave and at a few other schools. Teachers go through a course of gardening in order to be able to teach in the school gardens.

GERMANY

I am permitted to publish the following extracts, and they have been kindly put into English for me by a friend. They give an interesting description of the commencement of a school which is now one of the most famous in Germany. I am told, upon good authority, that posts for lady gardeners are easily obtained; in fact, that the demand is greater than the supply. The salaries vary from 400 marks to 2,000 marks and free living. The posts are chiefly in private gardens, sanatoria, and house-keeping schools.

DR. ELVIRA CASTNER’S SCHOOL OF POMOLOGY AND HORTICULTURE, MARIENFELDE

By Marie C. Vorwerk

In 1877 a German lady-student was living in the American seaport of Baltimore. She loved in her leisure hours to seek the harbour and watch the ships come and go. One day in autumn she saw with astonishment, from a train of perhaps fifteen to twenty coaches, an immense quantity of small square boxes unloaded and brought to a ship. On inquiry as to their contents, where they came from, and whither bound, she was told they were apples from California, destined for Germany, and that this fruit was sent every year in increasing numbers to Germany and other European countries.

STUDENTS AT THE SCHOOL OF POMOLOGY AND HORTICULTURE MARIENFELDE, NEAR BERLIN.

Why should Germany import foreign fruit? Has she not in all her provinces tracts of land with conditions and climate suitable for fruit and vegetable growing, and why should not German women earn a livelihood by horticulture? From these questions, which the student asked herself in the harbour of Baltimore, has arisen the Horticultural School of Marienfelde. In the meantime the lady was naturally inclined to continue her chosen career of dentistry, to finish her studies, and begin to earn her living. But the idea would not rest! Whoever comes to Marienfelde to-day and sees there the stately building in its large garden, or has met a lady-gardener, trained at Marienfelde, in her thoroughly satisfying calling, must acknowledge what splendid results have sprung from this idea of the German student in the distant American commercial town.

A bee-hive with the inscription, “No reward without diligence,” is carved over one of the entrance-doors of the school a suitable escutcheon as warning and incentive to the entering students, and not less as a reminder of the origin of the school and the busy life of its foundress.

Elvira Castner was a chemist’s daughter, born in 1844 in a small town of western Prussia, and was a very lively, clever child. That she might not have to go from home for her education, her parents sent her to a boys’ school, kept by a very scholarly pastor; there she eagerly studied every subject up till then reserved for boys. After two years at a seminary in Posen, she passed her teacher’s examination. She liked her calling as teacher, but owing to throat trouble had to give up this profession. She went to Berlin for five years, and her health being re-established, her long-restrained love for medicine woke to new life. Liberal Berlin granted her what had been unattainable in the provinces.

She returned from Baltimore in 1878, with her degree as dental-surgeon, set up as a dentist in Berlin, and soon gained an extensive practice. Her mother and sisters came to reside with her, and one of her sisters, after taking her dental degree in America, became her assistant. Having attained her object, there came a time of comparative rest, in which the idea of German Horticulture stepped again into the foreground. Leisure hours were utilised for botanical study, holiday tours to visit various horticultural schools, pomological institutions and model-gardens in Reutlingen, Stuttgart, Switzerland, etc.

In the year 1889 an opportunity occurred to purchase in the neighbourhood of Berlin a small piece of ground where her acquired theoretical knowledge might be put into practice. Dr. Elvira Castner, with her family, occupied part of the double house built on the ground, while the remainder was let. A market garden was laid out—the rougher work being done by the porter’s wife. The sisters took charge of the remainder, aided by the counsel of their mother, an experienced farmer.

The first practical trial of a School of Horticulture for women was made at this time by the wife of the Counsellor of Commerce for Charlottenburg. Dr. Elvira Castner thought herself fortunate to see her idea so soon realised, and gave the school her warmest interest. As vice-president of the Berlin society for the benefit of women, she had opportunity to know it well. The society protected the school, and appointed a commission for the promotion of pomology and horticulture, of which Miss Castner was chairman. Accompanied by this committee she visited the Charlottenburger school, and came back quite disillusioned. That school of horticulture was not to her mind; the tending of flowers was undertaken, but without any solid instruction, and fruit and vegetable cultivation were never mentioned.

At the first sitting of the commission, she gave her ideas on the subject of a School for Horticulture, and was requested to embody them in a report, so as to reach a larger public. In complying with this desire she answered clearly and convincingly the three questions:

1. Should more be done in our Fatherland for pomology and horticulture?

2. Is it possible for women to follow a gardener’s calling, and to earn a living by it?

3. How would an educated woman, after sufficient training, find opportunity to practise this calling?

The report was published in several papers, and Dr. Castner received letters from all parts, asking where the school of horticulture was to be found, carried out on these principles. A determined little lady, Frau Rackau, from Jena, came to Berlin to present herself at this school. It seemed the propitious moment to start the school; friends thronged round, circumstances were favourable. An attempt by the formation of a company to interest a larger public failed miserably, and courageous Dr. Castner, inspired by the need of giving to German women the new calling of practical gardening, opened on the 1st October, 1894, the first German female School of Horticulture, with seven scholars. The other part of the Friedenauer house happened to be free; it was turned into living-and classrooms for the future scholars. The necessary tools were obtained, and so the work began, though differently from Miss Castner’s first intentions. As it had not been possible to rouse the active interest of educated German women, particularly those living in the country, the school could not be limited to their own country-women, as had been the original plan. Our statistical tables plainly show how largely foreigners are in the majority.

The difficulties of the beginning were successfully overcome; the garden, now three acres, attracted students in growing numbers. In April, 1895, ten new scholars joined the original seven, and in the next year seventeen were added. From that time a regular increase went on.

Yet many hindrances remained. If women were indifferent, gardeners showed the liveliest, though not friendly, interest in the scheme, and it took years to convince them they would not be harmed by the new ideas.

Prominent men like Professors Wittenack, Herren, Ascherson, Sorauer, Garden-Inspector Lindemint, and others, whose judgment carried great weight, were most sceptical. They feared, not without cause, that the training for women, as was too common, would be imperfect. Some examinations, at which they were present on the invitation of Dr. Elvira Castner, convinced them of the thoroughness of our work, and with just pride we count them now amongst our truest friends.

The establishment soon won general respect. House and garden at Friedenau became too small, and a move was made in October, 1899, to Marienfelde, where the garden of ten acres and the large house promised to be sufficient for years to come. Miss Castner gave up her dental practice and devoted herself entirely to the school. The interest of German women was at last awakened, and what was impossible ten years previously was now imitated in Godesberg and other places. Schools of horticulture, on the Marienfelde model, were started.

Next comes the question of the training and the after career of the students. The prospectus and plan of studies of the institution abundantly answer the first question. I believe I can rightly say one seldom finds such an excellent organisation, with so harmonious an intermingling of theory and practice. The gardener’s calling is thoroughly practical, but theoretical instruction cannot be left in the background. In our school only the afternoon hours belong to scientific exposition, the whole morning is devoted to practical work. This is more necessary, as most ladies come to us without the slightest preliminary knowledge, and an obligatory previous apprenticeship was part of our ideal scheme. It is no slight task for a head-gardener to overlook and occupy in the garden fifty to sixty ladies, many without former training. A suitable organisation, formed in the course of years, considerably lightens this task, and the number of students in the gardens might be doubled without causing Herr Cornelius (our present head-gardener) much more trouble. Each lady learns to begin and finish her task without help; second year students are allowed partly to arrange their own work for each season, and are responsible for their management of it.

The ten-acre garden is not sufficient to employ the many students, although all the work is done by the ladies; more ground has been added, and, in addition, each class undertakes to keep in order one or two private gardens in the colony.

What becomes of all the students after training? Do they find really satisfactory posts? Up till now the situations offered cannot be filled, there not being sufficient candidates. The great varieties in the exercise of this calling, which in my opinion are not nearly exhausted, promise to all women, giving themselves to it, a suitable and pleasant occupation.

All nerve and lung sanatoria, as well as Nature Cure establishments, on whose patients garden work exercises such a beneficial effect, all house-keeping schools, kindergarten, benevolent institutions and orphanages will, it is to be hoped, in a few years, consider the appointment of a trained lady gardener a matter of course. Then come posts in private gardens, in town or country, nursery gardens, soon it is to be hoped school gardens, and all new schools of horticulture.

A glance at our statistics shows that proportionately few scholars of the two years’ course undergo the examination, and later take situations. This is explained by the different scholars who come here, and who may be divided into three classes:—

1. Those who actually prepare for a profession.

2. So-called “hospitantinnen,” mostly ailing ladies, ordered by a doctor work in the open air.

3. Young girls between sixteen and eighteen years of age, who in healthy open-air work seek relaxation after school time, and a substitute for the usual year in a boarding-school. This state of affairs is not likely to last much longer. New institutions will branch off; some, perhaps, only for delicate women, others reserved for young girls.

STATISTICAL OBSERVATIONS

The school was from October 1, 1894, to April 1, 1904, attended by

Till April 1, 1904, course completed by 77 scholars. Of those

There remain in the school 37 scholars + 13 = 50 + 9 special students.

NATIONALITIES

For five years our horticultural school has given a course for teachers, which is held in two divisions of fourteen days, one in spring, the other in August. A quite special programme is sketched out for it, and everything necessary for regulating a school garden is taught to teachers in the shortest possible way. Teachers must carry out all the tasks given, by themselves. Twenty-five teachers have taken advantage of this course, four of these from Königsberg, in East Prussia.

THE FOLLOWING EXTRACTS FROM THE PROSPECTUS OF THE MARIENFELDE SCHOOL SHOW ITS PRESENT DEVELOPMENT

(Formerly Friedenau, near Berlin)

OBJECT OF THE INSTITUTION

The intention of the School of Pomology and Horticulture is, by theoretical instruction and practical work, to fit women and girls of good education to take posts as professional gardeners, or to turn their acquired knowledge into money by the cultivation of their own ground. Above all, they learn that intelligent cultivation of the soil brings better crops and produce, and with better sale a higher value to the ground, and that all the necessary work can be carried on with success by women. Those scholars who wish to qualify as gardeners must go through a two years’ course. At the expiry of this an examination is held, which confers a leaving certificate on the successful candidates. Those who have not attended the course regularly or have not accomplished the desired quantity of practical or theoretical work, or who do not wish to undergo the examination, as well as those who, after a one year’s course, leave the institution, receive, if they wish it, a certificate of attendance at the school.

A.—COURSE FOR SCHOLARS

The course is for two years, and pupils are admitted at the beginning of April and October of each year. The theoretical instruction embraces these branches:—

1. Pomology.—Planting, cultivation, care of fruit-trees and berry bushes, improvement, pruning, knowledge of species, preservation and sale of fruit, forcing under glass, pot fruit culture.

2. Viticulture.—Planting and training of the vine.

3. Cultivation of vegetables on waste land, sale and preserving, hot-beds.

4. Flower culture.—Special attention given to the rose (propagation and improvement).

5. Arboriculture.—Cultivation, increase and description of the chief kinds of woods with information of their decorative value for landscape gardening.

6. Landscape gardening and design.—Sketches and plans of gardens and pleasure-grounds.

7. Land surveying and levelling.

8. Lessons in soils and manures.

9. Botany, anatomy, physiology.—Systems, morphology and geography of plants, diseases of plants.

10. Chemistry.—The most important constituents of organic and inorganic chemistry, and the most important minerals for plants.

11. Zoology.—Animals hurtful or beneficial to pomology and horticulture.

12. Geometry.

13. Binding, tying.

14. Bee-rearing.:

15. The most important and practical legal knowledge.

16. Book-keeping and correspondence.

17. Instruction in management.

The practical work is carried on under the guidance and supervision of a head-gardener, which work must be done unconditionally according to the arrangement of the head or his substitute: Work begins in summer at seven o’clock, in winter at eight.

The plan of work, containing all details, is settled at the beginning of every session. Holidays of three weeks at Christmas, and of fourteen days in summer. The students must leave the institution during the Christmas holidays, owing to the necessary yearly repairs. Permission to remain is only given in urgent cases. Irregular attendance at the institution is a cause of dismissal before the end of the course. The course ends with the examination.

Bee-rearing is practically undertaken. Those ladies interested in poultry-breeding get the opportunity to acquire the rudiments of this knowledge.

CONDITIONS OF ADMISSION

Necessary conditions of admission are a healthy body fit for the work, and education in the first class of a secondary girls’ school. To this must be added a short account of one’s life. Minors must have the written consent of their father, whose agreement to bear all the expenses of attending the school must be given.

DRESS

For practical work a special dress is prescribed: reform-dress of coarse woollen stuff (linen in summer) and an apron. In the wet season of the year wooden shoes must be worn. Students provide at their own cost: garden knife, grafting and fertilising knife, stock shears, tree saws and pocket scissors. Instruments and the suitable clothing can be purchased after entry into the institution, as there is no variation in the dress (stuff, colour, and cut). Those scholars received as boarders must bring with them mattress and feather-bed (bedsteads with spiral spring-mattresses are provided) as well as bed-linen, towels, serviettes, spoons, knives and forks. Bedsteads and other large pieces of furniture may not be brought or procured.

Scholars are not accepted under sixteen years.

B.—COURSE FOR SPECIAL STUDENTS

1. For those who, on account of ill-health, want to occupy themselves for a time in the open air. These have only practical work, and do not take part in the theoretical instruction. Admission from April to October, or for a longer or shorter time.

2. Those who wish to take theoretical instruction along with the other. Admission April and October.

C.—SPECIAL COURSE

1. Course for teachers of fourteen days’ duration in spring, and the same in autumn.

2. Course for owners of gardens (February-March), lasting four weeks. Care of fruit-trees and pruning.

FEES

Scholars (Course A) whose parents do not reside in the near neighbourhood of Marienfelde must live in the institution, so far as there is room. If all places are filled, other boarding-houses will be recommended. Board in the school (without laundry) amounts to £4 per month, instruction 25s., and are both paid quarterly, the first term beforehand.

The cost of board in other pensions is from £4 10s. to £5 per month, according to size of room.

Monthly fee for Course A (first quarter in advance), £1 5s.; monthly fee for Course B1 (one month payable in advance), £1 15s. monthly fee for Course B2 (a quarter payable in advance), £1 15s.; monthly fee for Course C1 (each division in advance), 10s.; monthly fee for Course C2 (payable in advance), £2.

Scholars who wish to leave the institution before the end of the course must give three months’ notice; this can only be done in January and June.

Should a pupil leave for any cause whatever in the middle of a quarter no reduction is made, and board and fees must be paid for the next term.

For the six winter months (October to April) 3s. per month for heating, and each session 3s. for use of garden utensils, are levied from each scholar.

It is expected and supposed that each scholar will conduct herself as a lady, in and out of the institution. Unladylike behaviour, as well as contravention of the rules of the house, necessary to the maintenance of discipline, may be punished by dismissal from the school.

Principal and Owner: Elvira Castner.

Dr. D. S.

POMOLOGICAL AND HORTICULTURAL SCHOOL FOR WOMEN, AT WOLFENBÜTTEL

Conducted by Martha Breymann

OBJECTS AND INSTRUCTION

The object of the two-years’ course is to give the most comprehensive instruction in horticulture, so as to afford ladies the opportunity of fitting themselves for an independent career in husbandry; or by a one year’s course to be able to occupy their time usefully and happily in cultivating their own ground. Besides the correct working of the ground, the aim is to teach the pupils to know for themselves the most necessary work and its proper execution, and to turn them out practical gardeners and capable, observant characters.

The forenoon, till the pause for breakfast, is kept exclusively for practical work, which daily amounts to five or six hours. The field of activity is the nine-acre garden of the “Breymann Educational Institute for Young Girls,” with pleasure-grounds, greenhouses, forcing-beds, vegetable-fields, nursery, etc. The opportunity to learn bee-culture is also given.

The theoretical instruction serves to explain and so to support the practical work. It comprises:

1. Botany.—Plant life.

2. Elementary chemistry, for the better understanding of the transformations of matter, instruction in manures, analysis of soils.

3. Fruit and vegetable culture.

4. Flower growing.

5. Arboriculture.

6. Forcing.

7. Zoology (the foes of plants and their destruction).

8. Garden design.

Theoretical instruction is given every afternoon from one to two hours. Thursday afternoons are at the students’ disposal. Holidays are in winter from the 15th of December till the 15th of January. During this time the institution is closed. As an exception, if specially desired, leave is granted for a fortnight at whichever date suits best, viz., 1st to 15th April, July, or October; in those weeks theoretical instruction is not given.

Stipulations.—1, Good education; 2, excellent health; 3, obedience to the regulations of the house. Order and punctuality are expected. Notice must be given of absence from a meal, or after ten o’clock at night. There are three principal meals, and early and afternoon coffee. The food is simple, but carefully prepared.

The fees amount to 250 marks per quarter, to be paid quarterly in advance. The institution can only be left after a quarter’s notice. For heating and lighting the bedroom (if desired) an extra charge is made. Exceptional use, such as a fire the whole day, or light after ten p.m., is naturally more. A heated general room for study is at every one’s disposal. On leaving and at Christmas 3s. for attendance is added to the account.

Each student must bring: Feather-bed (not bedstead or mattress), bed-cover, sheets, towels, serviettes, and table-cover. An exception is made for foreigners, to whom these articles are lent for a fee. Any further information will be readily given. Letters of recommendation can be shown.

THE MARIENBURG SCHOOL FOR LADY GARDENERS

Station: Leutesdorf

Pier: Andernach (with ferry connection to Leutesdorf)

Course for Educated Women in Horticulture and Forcing

Marienburg lies close to the Rhine, in Leutesdorf. The larger agricultural property, with ornamental park, fruit and vegetable garden, greenhouses, hot-beds belonging to Neuwied, a neighbouring country residence, serve as the practical field of work for the school. All the labour needed is done by the students. The school is in two buildings, with single-and double-bedded rooms for the reception of twenty ladies. Hot and cold water is laid on, with bath-rooms and central heating. Comfortably furnished sitting-rooms give the opportunity for social intercourse during off-time. This school gives educated girls and women the chance to acquire the requisite practice and knowledge to work a garden correctly and independently.

Practical and theoretical instruction are both given, but the greater value is placed on thoroughly comprehensive practical knowledge.

I.—TWO YEARS’ COURSE

For those ladies who wish to fit themselves for a gardener’s calling, and later take posts as gardeners on estates, in villa gardens, sanatoria, house-keeping schools, educational institutions, etc. (2,000 have taken situations with salary, six without).

A.—PRACTICAL INSTRUCTION

Pomology: Hybridisation, care, forcing, sale. Vegetable culture: Open-air and forcing, sale. Floriculture: Hardy and hot-house flowers, balcony and room decoration, arranging, making wreaths. Commercial gardening: Sale and despatch, with practical book-keeping. Landscape gardening: Designing, laying out and care of gardens. Basket weaving, joinery, glazing.

B.—THEORETICAL INSTRUCTION

Pomology: Breeding, pruning, forcing, knowledge of species. Vegetable culture and forcing. Flower propagation and hot-houses, forcing. Forestry: Description and crossing of the most important trees for landscape gardening. Landscape gardening. Legal knowledge. Book-keeping and correspondence. Botany: Morphology, anatomy, physiology, systems, geography of plants, plant diseases. Zoology: Animals useful and hurtful to horticulture. Chemistry: Soils and manures. Geometry and surveying.

Theoretical instruction is given by a head-gardener, a highly-educated scientific master, and by the principal herself. The head-gardener instructs in the practical department with the help of a basket-maker and joiner for those branches. Admission to the course is in the beginning of April and October.

As a means of judging the proficiency of our scholars a small exhibition of garden products, and sketches and designs of gardens, is held yearly in the institution, about the end of September or beginning of October. An inspection of the exhibition, and also of the garden, is willingly permitted to anyone interested.

At the close of the second year the scholars receive a certificate after examination.

CONDITIONS OF ADMISSION

Scholars must have passed through the first class in a secondary girls’ school, and have a healthy, robust constitution. Age not over thirty. A medical certificate and a short autobiography must be added to the report.

A special dress is required for practical work. This, as well as garden shears and saws, is provided at the student’s cost; all other implements belong to the school, and are used without payment. From 1st to 15th every quarter there is no theoretical instruction. Extra leave, if wanted, should be asked for then. Classes are stopped for four weeks at Christmas, and scholars can only remain in the institution at this time by special permission.

FEES

For board and lodging, exclusive of heating and laundry, in double-bedded room, £4 10s.; single-bedded room, £5 monthly. For instruction £1 monthly is charged. Fees are to be paid quarterly in advance (from £16 10s. to £18.) In the two winter quarters 15s. extra for heating are charged. Arrears are not allowed. Anyone wishing to leave before the end of the course must give three months’ notice, or pay a quarter’s fees; such notice will only be received at the beginning of each quarter.

The following articles are to be brought:—Table silver and cutlery, fruit-knife, serviette-ring (all plainly marked), serviettes, towels, pillows, sheets, and soiled linen-bag. Bedstead and mattress are supplied.

II.—ONE YEAR’S COURSE

For those ladies who wish to work their own gardens, and for young girls who, after the strain of school life, seek re-invigoration in healthy, refreshing activity for body and mind. These receive the same instruction as for the first year of the regular course, but no certificate. In other respects the conditions of the full course hold good. Ladies who already have elementary knowledge, and only wish to take the second year’s course, must undergo a preliminary examination.

III.—SPECIAL STUDENTS

Can enter for a shorter time, to try if the calling of gardener suits them, so that later they can take a course of one or two years. This class, as well as those who want to improve their health by occupation in the open air, only take part in practical instruction. They will find near the Leutesdorf school a good boarding-house, where the charge is 30s. monthly. Entry on the 1st or 15th of every month.

Scholars under eighteen years of age are in the special charge of the principal, and without her permission may not leave the institution. Practical instruction is divided into four hours in the morning and two in the afternoon. Theoretical instruction is given from one to two hours daily in the afternoon. Scholars are free on Saturday afternoon and Sunday. From time to time excursions with the students are undertaken to inspect the surrounding country, gardens and pleasure-grounds, and nurseries.

Punctuality and order are required of every student. The rules of the school and house must be rigidly observed.

Marie C. Vorwerk, Elsbeth von Zibzewik (Owners and Principals)

Rules for the House

1. Scholars must appear punctually at meals; exceptions are to be notified to the housekeeper. In case of illness only will meals be served in the bedroom. Dress must be changed for dinner and supper.

2. Before first breakfast scholars must put away anything lying about their rooms, make beds, and open the windows.

3. Paper, flowers, hair, or other insoluble articles may not be put in the basin.

4. The scholars must clean clothes and shoes, except their working boots.

5. Servants and assistants are not to be asked for any extra service tips and presents are forbidden; at Christmas and on leaving every scholar puts something into a money-box for the servants.

6. Rooms and passages may not be entered with garden boots.

7. Boxes and soiled linen are to be kept on the ground floor.

8. After dinner till 2 o’clock and after 10 p.m. perfect quiet must prevail. Lamps in the school-and business-rooms, as well as in the corridor, are put out at 10 p.m.

9. Nails may not be knocked in the walls of the rooms without permission; it is also forbidden to fasten articles on the walls with ordinary or drawing-pins.

10. Any damage to the house or furniture must be pointed out at once to the principals, and made good.

11. All complaints are to be made to the principals.

School Regulations

1. The scholars must attend theoretical and practical instruction regularly; leave of absence only from the principals. Whoever misses more than six weeks’ instruction in one session cannot be admitted to the examination.

2. Practical work occupies six hours, theoretical from one to two hours daily. Work begins in summer at 7 o’clock, in winter at 8 o’clock in the morning. Saturday afternoon and Sunday are holidays.

3. Scholars whose week it is to be in management, or at work in the hot-houses, must remain in the establishment, even in their free time, and look after their departments.

4. Only half of the scholars at most can get leave in the first fortnight of a quarter. Permission should therefore be sought in good time. Those employed in the hot-houses or as overseers can obtain leave in case of urgency only, and must put in a substitute during their absence.

5. Permission for a week’s leave is to be obtained at latest eight days in advance, for one or several days the day before. Only urgent cases permit an exception.

To be provided:—1 reform winter dress with bloomers; 2 reform summer dresses with 2 bloomers; 2 blue linen aprons; 1 cap, and 2 linen hats; 1 pair strong boots and gaiters; some books, drawing materials, grafting-saw, tree-shears, garden-knife, grafting and fertilising knives, yard-stick, materials for basket-making.

Anyone maliciously violating the regulations of the house or school is dismissed.

SCHOOL OF HORTICULTURE FOR LADIES, AT HOLTENAU, NEAR KIEL, SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN

“I willingly comply with the request to contribute a short report of my work in connection with the above institution, which I founded in 1901.

“It is beautifully situated on an elevation gently sloping south towards Kiel Harbour, near the Kaiser Wilhelm Canal. It contains two hot-houses, eighty forcing frames, about 500 fruit trees of all sorts and kinds, a grand assortment of shrubs, ornamental trees and conifers. Two alleys of high-grown pear trees (interlaced) in the shape of a large cross form the centre of the garden.

“I opened the school with five pupils; at present there are seventeen. The course of training is two years for those who wish to take up gardening as a profession, and one year for amateurs.

“The study is twofold: Practical and theoretical. Our practical course comprises:—Fruit growing: How to grow best dessert fruit on large and small farm trees. Harvesting the fruit. Storing and packing it. There are about forty different kinds of apples, thirty-five pear and fifteen plum trees. Preserving various fruits in various ways. Then there is the annual grafting of wild trees, the culture of farm trees, of high standard and half-high standards. We also grow apples, pears, and peaches in pots and tubs. Vegetable growing includes forcing in the hot-house and frames, as well as cultivation of all suitable kinds in the open field. I teach preserving and wintering of vegetables. In flower growing we specially take those pot plants that sell well, as: Chrysanthemum indicum, Primula obconica and chinensis, cyclamen, begonias, amaryllis, hyacinths, tulips, cineraria, etc. But of course we also cultivate exotics.

SCHOOL FOR LADY GARDENERS, HOLTENAU, NEAR KIEL SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN.

“In the open we cultivate the favourite spring and summer flowers, annual and perennial roses, etc. Thus we obtain abundant material for cut flowers, which serve for teaching the pupils to make up bouquets, table decorations, etc. We use the garden stuff first of all for our own household, but the remainder—by far the larger part—is sold in Kiel, thus teaching the pupils the actual market value of their materials.

“At the Schleswig-Holstein Horticultural Exhibition in 1906 our school gained four first and three second prizes; several diplomas; and the silver State medal for fruit-packing.

“For landscape gardening we have small plantations, where every year we train new trees by means of slips, suckers, shoots, and heaping up. We have had orders to plan and lay out several gardens in Kiel and Holtenau.

“Now and then visits are arranged to the various nurseries, market gardens, private gardens of importance, or the Botanical Gardens at Kiel, so as to give the pupils opportunity of seeing other plants and other ways of arranging and growing.

“Our scientific course comprises:—Botany, chemistry, mineralogy (taught by a University man), drawing (by the municipal head-gardener). Drawing includes: Geometrical problems, drawing plans of small and large gardens, then designs of pupils’ own making; correct calculation of expenses, and working plans in detail.

“Land surveying and levelling are first taught theoretically, then practically. Much importance is attached to a thoroughly accurate drawing of plans, as it is excellent practice for the eye for all things pertaining to gardening. In regard to plan drawing we have had many successes. At the before-mentioned Schleswig-Holstein Horticultural Show in Kiel, September, 1906, five pupils exhibited their own designs in garden plans, with schemes for working them, and bill of costs attached, which gained distinctions; two pupils received the Ehrenpreis, given by H.H. Duchess Caroline Mathilde of Schleswig-Holstein-Glücksburg. At the exhibition in Bremen in 1907 two pupils earned honourable mention by the Horticultural Society.

“Then we have lessons on soil, manure, zoology, arboriculture, and how to lay out plantations. Our practical subjects are thoroughly entered into, and treated also from their scientific basis.

“As a test of the work done by the pupils there is an annual exhibition of garden produce of all kinds, and of the pupils’ drawings, in the hall of the Institution. Friends and experts are invited. We have had cheering visits of inspection from the Kieler Horticultural Club and the Frauenverein.

“After the two years’ learning is completed the pupils receive a testimonial as to their qualifications and achievements. But no examination is held, as I hold that not being held by qualified Government examiners they are practically useless. My aim is to give my pupils a thoroughly sound practical education.

“There is a great demand for well trained lady gardeners, and one who is skillful commands a good social position. I have so many offers for trained pupils that the demand far overreaches the supply. Salaries commence with about £30, including food, and treatment as a member of the family. Many of my pupils are filling situations on estates, schools for economy, sanatoria, private gardens, etc. Two former pupils are now teachers of horticulture at the Household School for Women at Reifenstein, near Leinefelde (Prov. Saxony), and at Maidburg, near Kempen (Prov. Posen). One pupil has been gardener-in-chief at the large training home for girls near Berlin; then she went to America, where she is manager of a large private garden in New York. Another pupil occupied the post as paid assistant at an extensive vegetable growing plantation near Kiel, and was able to work as fast and satisfactorily as the male assistants. Other pupils again, including some Danes and Norwegians, cultivate their own gardens or take situations in their own country. Still another pupil founded, about two years ago, a Horticultural School at Wolfenbüttel (Brunswick), following the same principles as taught at my school.

“There is no difficulty in finding really good situations for skilful workers, and gardening has proved a blessing to many of our sex.

“Marta Back.

“Holtenau, September, 1907.”

The above account gives such a graphic description that I need only add the terms. A thorough education and good health are required of those applying for vacancies. The terms are:—50 marks per quarter. Pension for students the first year, 75 marks per month; pension for students the second year, 70 marks per month. This must be paid three months in advance.

AUGUSTE-FÖRSTER INSTITUTION, OBERZWEHREN (KREIS CASSEL)

The Kassel Society for the Education of Women has provided in the Auguste-Förster Institute a country school where young girls and women may obtain a thorough training in three different departments: viz., horticulture, domestic economy, and poultry and pig-rearing, etc. The instruction, combining theoretical information and practical work, is given by accomplished female teachers. Six to eight scholars can be taken for each department.

The duration and direction of the course are regulated by the result aimed at. The time of study in each department lasts a year; scholars, who intend to make use of their training in their own home, can take a half-year’s course.

Students are not permitted to take the different courses concurrently. Those who successfully pass an examination, held at the end of the year’s course, receive a certificate of proficiency. These certificates are of special importance to those who wish to earn their living in the gardener’s calling, or as housekeepers. The year’s course and certificate are also valuable to those who become teachers of domestic economy in rural house-keeping schools, as the regulation examination for domestic economy does not include such special country subjects as horticulture, poultry-rearing, etc. For those who have already attended similar institutions, and wish further instruction without intending to make money by it, a shorter course of study, under special conditions, is arranged.

The instruction comprises:—Theoretical instruction in the different branches and conditions of plant-culture. Practical work: Fruit and vegetable culture, raising plants in the open air and under glass, care of plants in hot-houses and in rooms, care of ornamental grounds, decoration of dwelling-rooms and verandahs with plants and cut-flowers. To those students who intend to become professional gardeners a longer attendance at our establishment is recommended, or a continuance of training in a nursery or private garden; a thorough initiation into the high calling of gardener is not possible in a shorter time. Any who have taken the year’s course, and desire more advanced training, can attend the State horticultural institutions as out-students.

The Kassel Chamber of Agriculture has granted the Förster Institution the use of the means of instruction provided in the Oberzwehren Pomological Institute, a remarkably well-conducted establishment.

The Auguste-Förster Institution at the same time aims to attract educated women to settle in the country, by affording them practical guidance in social work. For this object, instruction in handicrafts, knitting, sewing, mending, cutting-out, cooking, washing, and ironing is given (chiefly in winter) to the women, young girls, and children of the surrounding villages. Ladies with good preparatory knowledge are admitted as voluntary helpers, if they intend to devote themselves in earnest to social work in the country, and if there is room in the institution.

HOLLAND

The following notes were sent me by a lady in Holland, and have been kindly put into English by a friend. They describe briefly the school recently opened near The Hague (Station of Rijswyk). The name of the school is “Huis te Lande,” and it is built in the style of an English country house. It is managed by Mesdames J. Kuyst and C. Pompe.

On a medallion over the entrance the following motto is inscribed. “Think great thoughts, do great deeds.” The students are all girls of good position and well educated. They must speak at least three modern languages, and have a good knowledge of botany and geography. Otherwise they could not profit by the course; it is therefore preferable if they have been at a high school. They must have taste for gardening.

A medical certificate is required, showing that they are physically fit for the work. The directors of this school do their best to correct the idea, which many doctors have, that gardening is suitable to invalids. The institution is not intended as a Sanatorium, and only healthy, active girls are wanted, and those who evince a strong inclination for out-of-door life.

The school is especially intended for the daughters of those who inhabit cottages or villas having small gardens attached. As a rule these gardens leave much to be desired in the way of cultivation. They are too small for a gardener, and are worked by a labourer, who knows but little about the cultivation of flowers. It is hoped that the school training will enable these young ladies to manage and cultivate their home gardens. It is considered, in Holland, that the time for ladies to earn a living by gardening has not yet arrived.

Both practical and theoretical work is taught, but the former is considered the most advantageous. If the students know how to do the work themselves, they can show their workmen. At the same time theory will help them to understand the why and wherefore of operations. On three mornings a week, from 9 to 12, theory is taught. The rest of the time is for practical work. A lecture hall is attached to the school; there is also a special laboratory, which students are only allowed to use under the supervision of those who understand chemistry.

A coffee room is provided for students who live too far away to return home for dinner. There is also a dressing-room, and from here a door opens into the one acre of flower garden and arboretum, which is surrounded by frames and glass-houses.