1869.] NOTICES. 575 



improvement, where I paid to the head -gardener three shillings per week for two 

 years, and one shilling for another year : I never learnt anything from the gar- 

 dener himself. My next place was to be foreman at a baronet's place : I stayed 

 eighteen months there. The next move was to me quite a different scene of Ufe. 

 — I took a head-gardener's situation, where I had three men under me. After 

 staying five years, I left, because I could not or would not garden accoi'ding to the 

 coachman's ideas (a man without education, only he had the gift of the gab). ^ly 

 next situation was a single-handed place, which I took more for convenience than 

 anything else ; but it turned out otherwise, for six other servants besides my- 

 self were turned away without warning, or, worse still, without character, in con- 

 sequence of an event with which I had no connection. And now for the gar- 

 dener's difficulties. After being out of work for four weeks, I went into the 

 nurseries, or, what is more properly called the gardener's hospital ; wages from 

 3s. 6d. to 15s. per week, paying 3s. for rent. After four months I got a good re- 

 commendation from a previous master to another place, where I stayed three years ; 

 and I must say I ought to have been there yet ; but most of tis throw a good 

 chance away once in our lives. I have been sorry ever since I left it; although I had 

 the chance to go back, at the time my false pride would not allow me. My 

 next move was what I thought a good chance; but, alas ! what it is to think without 

 knowing, for it turned out one of the most miserable places that man could go to, 

 although it was a fine old place and belonged to a lady of rank. After three years' 

 service I left to get my wages. My last move was to my present place. After so 

 many years of experience in gardening, I have landed myself, wife, and five fine boys, 

 in an out-of-the-way place, where I am expected to produce all kinds of garden 

 produce, and make myself both a first-rate man and a common labourer for 20s. 

 per week. So much for education for gardeners, and paying good round sums to 

 head-gardeners for improvement. One in Despair. 



[We give this as a sample of many letters on the same subject that have reached 

 us. It in no ways proves that education is not both desirable and valuable as 

 being one of the aids to a better position in the world. — Ed.] , 



At the meeting of the Koyal Horticultural Society, to be held on Tuesday the 

 21st December, the following prizes are ofi'ered — viz.. By the Rev. George Kemp, 

 F. R.H.S. and Member of Fruit Committee, for the best winter dessert of 

 Apples and Pears, 3 dishes of each, a£3 and £2. 



We understand that the Council of the Eoyal Horticultural Society have resolved 

 on issuing a bronze medal, to be called the "Kare Plant Medal," and to be 

 awarded at any of the Society's meetings, for the first exhibition in this country 

 of plants of great botanical interest. 



We are informed that Lieut. -Colonel Scott, E.E., F.L.S., Hon. Secretary Eoyal 

 Horticultural Society, offers for competition at the Society's first meeting in 1870 

 — viz., January 19 — Five Guineas (£5, 5s.), for an Essay on the "Principles of 

 Floral Criticism." 



Sir, — In spite of frosts and chilly weather I gathered this morning a perfectly 

 ripe, full-sized Strawberry, which had reached maturity in the open air, and was 

 accompanied by blossoms and fruit in other stages towards ripeness. TLie situa- 

 tion of the growth is low, not sheltered, in the valley of the Lea. Presuming this 

 circumstance worthy of being communicated — to be chronicled as you may deem 

 deserving or not. — I am, your obedient Servant, John Edgar Ker. 



Stanstead Abbots, Herts, \1th November ISQ^. 



