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BANQUET TO GARDENERS. 51 
as we know by past experience how expressmen handle fruit. 
Between 4 and 6 a. m. two other trains leave, between 10 
and 12 (noon) two more, and from noon to 9 p. m. several 
more, several of which we must meet, besides the steam- 
boats and the home trade to be looked after; while in the 
garden are from seventy-five to one hundred men, women, 
boys and girls to be looked after in their several depart- 
ments, to prevent loss and waste. The weeds, as well as 
_ vegetables and berries, are growing rapidly, and the weeds 
must be destroyed at any cost. This condition begins with 
the strawberry season and lasts until the end of the currant 
season. Think you, it costs no care and thought to keep 
all these things moving along harmoniously and profitably ? 
I have sometimes thought that if there was any place upon 
this earth where a lazy man was more useless than any 
other, it was in a market garden. As regards crops that 
are not so perishable, one needs to know the condition of 
the markets of the country; where there is a deficiency, if 
anywhere ; and the rates of freight to such points; also 
the best business men in that line of produce at such places. 
It is also absolutely necessary that one should keep himself 
posted by reading papers, magazines and books that are 
devoted to the business in which he is engaged. No one 
can afford to ignore the recorded experience and best 
thoughts of our best men in the business, as given in such 
papers and books. Perhaps you are ready to ask, as I have 
often been asked, cannot a man become a good market 
gardener by simply reading and studying our best books 
and papers? On this subject, I have no hesitation in an- 
swering this question in the negative. As well might a 
man undertake to build a fine house by simply studying a 
book of designs. A man may be learned in all the lore of 
both ancient and modern gardening, and it will aid him 
much in his way toward success; but nothing will supply 
the place of every-day, level-headed common sense. He 
will still make many mistakes, but he-must learn by his 
mistakes as well as by his successes. I have thus in a very 
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