318 THE GARDENER. [July 



it thrives as Inxuriaiitly as could be desired, altliongli they have been 

 down in asphalt for years. We are, however, replacing the Box with 

 imitation stone -edging, which is neat and substantial, and resists 

 the hardest frost, harbours no vermin, saves much labour, and is in 

 every way superior to Box for the kitchen-garden. It is manufactured 

 in Hull, and sold at 8d. per yard. As far as my experience goes, I 

 can certify that no harm need be apprehended to the roots of fruit- 

 trees, as I have often seen suckers from their roots force their way 

 through decayed or soft places in the asphalt in abundance ; and I 

 could at this moment show the roots of Vines in healthy action under 

 walks that have been asphalted several times since the Vines were 

 planted. J. Simpson. 



THE EDUCATION OF GARDENERS. 



As one of the rising generation, I feel that it is my clear duty to write 

 and thank Mr David Thomson for making known his views on so im- 

 portant a subject as that of education for those who devote their lives 

 to horticulture, and I subscribe to every sentiment he has expressed. 



In the present day, when every class capable of intelligent thinking 

 demands greater facilities for enlightenment than were sought for in 

 the past, it certainly seems a melancholy thing to see a gardener 

 holding forth on behalf of ignorance ; but bad as it looks, one not 

 uncommonly meets with such a spectacle, and no influences seem 

 sufficiently congenial to make some men become progressive in the 

 noblest kind of development. It is, however, consoling to remember 

 that no power, which those holding obsolete notions have liberty to 

 wield, can do much permanent harm. Besides, it is quite certain that 

 to be destitute of a cultivated understanding, if it ever was a blessing, 

 is not so now in any sense, but is, on the contrary, rather a curse; and 

 the individual who advocates the cause of stupidity in any form is 

 most decidedly out of date. 



It may be asked. How do the eulogists of mere practice say a young 

 man ought to spend his spare time ^ Is it possible for them to declare 

 that it is better for him to trifle away hours than to use them in 

 acquiring a knowledge of the great principles on which his calling rests ? 

 Surely it is easy to see that the man who works by mere routine is 

 placed daily — nay, hourly — at an immense disadvantage. 



A plant is sent home from one of the Indian mountains, and an 

 operator unable to tell in reality what physical geography means gets 

 charge of it. Everybody knows that India, on the whole, has a repu- 

 tation for being a warm place, and without further consideration the 



