526 THE GARDENER. [Nov. 



aware there are those wlio exact exorbitant demands of their men, who 

 could remedy the evil if they only wished to do so by remonstrating with their 

 employer or his representative. But, on the other hand, there are those vpho 

 are restricted almost to a shilling ; and we are inclined to think that were "An 

 Old Gardener " placed in such a position, he would endeavour to make his best of 

 it, like other folks. "We have had charge of houses under three different masters, 

 and in each case we were obliged to work in the evenings to keep the work in 

 advance. We think there is no department of any garden establishment in so 

 much need of reform. Imagine a foreman and his men toiling late and early all 

 the late spring and early summer months, and perhaps his best man turned out 

 upon the walls to nail, in the winter, so that inside work in a good many second 

 and third class places is nothing short of a continual drag all the year ! Before 

 closing our remarks, we shall presume to ask "An Old Gardener" one question. 

 We shall suppose him a young gardener waiting a foreman's situation in a nursery. 

 The nurseryman hears of a situation likely to suit him ; all arrangements are made 

 between him and his new master ; he is to have the entire responsibility of the 

 houses, with two or three to assist : but, as the busy season arrives, he finds his 

 hands inadequate to fulfil the duties for which he was engaged within the recog- 

 nised working hours. The work falls behind-hand every day, and at last he doesn't 

 know which end to begin at. We think it a more cheerful method to keep the 

 work in advance (even without compensation). We have spent many a pleasant 

 evening in a Vinery or Peach-house of our own option. In our article on the 

 Balsam, we laid no emphasis on things as they should be, but on the state of 

 things which really exist. A gardener who occupies any position of importance 

 can compensate his men threefold by using his influence in finding them situations, 

 instead of allowing their names to drop into oblivion, as though they might be 

 numbered with the things that were. We felt deeply annoyed that "An Old 

 Gardener " misunderstood us over the shake of the hand and the certificate. That 

 clause or sentence was more meant for the old gardeners than the young ones. 

 We have known several such cases, but have always looked upon them as ungen- 

 erous. In conclusion, allow us to thank " An Old Gardener" for his criticis^m, 

 and his very high opinion of our style of men. In our present situation we have 

 got to work almost as hard as those under us. Should we ever be elevated to a 

 position of more importance, it is to be hoped we shall endeavour to treat others 

 as we would they should do unto us. Wm. Hixds. 



[Working of your own accord and pleasure is a different thing from being 

 requested and expected to work overtime and receiving no remuneration. — Ed.] 



GRAPES AT THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL ' 

 SOCIETY, OCTOBER 4. 



The 'Gardeners' Chronicle,' writing of these, says: — "True, indeed, there was 

 no foreign competition on this occasion, but even had there been, the splendid 

 display made by Messrs Lane was such that they would have had nothing what- 

 ever to fear. Their Muscats were simply magnificent; . . . . and doubtless, since 

 there are many more examples of the various kinds remaining behind at Berkbamp- 

 stead, some of the visitors to London may be tempted to go and see for themselves. 

 The strange point is, that although drainage and heated borders are deemed 

 essential to crack Grape-growing, and no doubt are in a general way useful aids 

 thereto, yet Messrs Lane's Go-apes are close to, and almost on a level with, per- 



