I873-] UNDER-GARDENERS. 29 



Lomatia elegantissima. — An elegant fern-like plant of free growth ; 

 thrives well in an intermediate house. When in too great heat it is 

 apt to run up and get too high for table : when about IG inches high, 

 and furnished to the pots with its fine-cut foliage of deep green, it is 

 very effective at night. 



There are many more of recent introduction which I have no doubt 

 are as good as those mentioned ; but these we can speak of, having 

 them all in use here. 



There are a few Ferns and other things useful for table which I 

 may at some future day send a few notes on. 



A. II.— T. 



UNDER -GARDENERS. 



Your correspondent Mr Temple's remarks on this subject are kindly, temper- 

 ate, and suggestive ; and regarding the teacliing of young gardeners, and the 

 responsibilities of master-gardeners in their way, I would add a word or two. 

 I consider that wdien the master puts his young men in the way of acquiring a 

 good practical knowledge of their work as operatives, affording them at the same 

 time what information and teaching his convenience allows, his interests demand, 

 and their own good conduct and promise encourages, his duty as schoolmaster 

 ceases. 



]Sro man of such a practical turn of mind as Mr Temjde can be long in discover- 

 ing, that attempting to teach some youths is like throwing pearls before swine. 

 I am not disposed to think unkindly or ill of the rising generation — far otherwise 

 —nor do I wish to say anything they may not read with advantage ; but I would 

 view the matter in a simply practical light, as it affects gardeners and gardening. ' 

 Looking at both head and under gardeners as ordinary mortals, but with special 

 reference to the latter, and taking things as they exist, how does the matter 

 stand ? and what are the most likely means of insuring success that present 

 themselves to those who would avail themselves of such ? The first and most 

 essential thing for a young man to be is an efficient workman, and to be civil and 

 good-natured. These qualifications are a passport to success in themselves, and 

 such a man is simply a prize and a credit to himself and his master, who, he may 

 be sure, will not be long in discovering his abilities and appreciating them. In- 

 tellectual ability is not to be overlooked ; but mere cleverness or intelligence is 

 not likely to stand any one in good stead long, if he cannot handle the spade or 

 the hammer in a tradesman-like fashion at the same time, and shows no aptitude 

 or disposition to do so : such men are likly to be treated with scant ceremony, 

 when they come to be measured alongside their compeers. I am not an advo- 

 cate for employing more journeymen and apprentices in a garden than are abso- 

 lutely needful, finding permanent labourers in every w'ay better ; but where a 

 number of young men are employed, the law of "natural selection " comes into 

 operation at once. It does not matter what the master's inclinations are about 

 giving all an equal chance : he has got the work to perform ; the responsibilities 

 are his ; and he is forced by sheer necessity to put the best man first, if merit 

 was no motive, and let the others take their chance. Hence there are always 

 some who think they are being overlooked, and instead of trying to do better, they 



