1873] UNDER-GARDENERS. 31 



will, and will strongly ; and few will try to aid them in an oLject in Nvliich they 

 are themselves so little interested. 



In conclusion, let me say a word about English and Scotch gardeners. As 

 workmen, they are perhaps about a par. The Scotchman has generally the 

 advantage in education and force of character, but he is far behind the English- 

 man in address and manner — at first, at least ; for the Scotchman can take on a 

 polish that an Englishman cannot often approach. But young Scotch gardeners 

 coming to England find their awkward manners and scant civility to operate 

 injuriously against their interests. Their broad dialect is rather entertaining thr n 

 otherwise to English ears, but their politeness is a commodity that is apparently 

 not "cheap." It is a matter of the deepest perplexity to them whether they 

 are justified in saying"Yes, sir," or"Ay," or "Oua}'," to a superior ; and touching 

 their hat to every one is an action regulated always by the most conscientious 

 scruples, and then it is done with such a grace, and the operation is so lengthy 

 and laborious, that, as we once heard said, " You may think a deal of a hat from 

 a Scotchman." Now we are not speaking as an Englishman, nor with the least 

 prejudice, but only with the object of impressing upon your young readers that 

 a pleasing address is one of the most important things for them to learn. We 

 know at least one fine place in England where "Sandy" is not tolerated at all 

 for the above reason, and many places where he is not trusted about the con- 

 servatory or house for fear he should incur the tremendous responsibility of being 

 respectful and polite. This may seem strange in the face of the fact that there 

 are so many Scotch head-gardeners in England, but it is easily explained. It is 

 his other good qualities that have pushed him on, not his manners, though in 

 all probability they may have mended the while. While penning these remarks, 

 I am not oblivious to the fact that masters are sometimes to blame — that they 

 are irritable and harsh with their men in some cases, causing discomfort to all 

 parties ; but as a rule, it is unusual for good, diligent, painstaking men to have 

 reasons for complaining of their master's conduct towards them. A master's 

 responsibilities and anxieties are always great enough, without being increased by 

 the neglect and shortcomings of his men, who make the master to a great extent, 

 and not unfrequently turn an indulgent one into a tyrant, or something like it. 

 Seeing, however, that a private garden cannot be turned into a co-operative con- 

 cern, it is much better that there should be no obligations on either side, though 

 it may be proper enough to foster a mutual interest in the work. Therefore 

 engagements should always be definite, and extra work should be paid for, either 

 in money or time— that is, when it is enforced. A man who is interested in his 

 charge will not of course be tied to a minute or two on an emergency, nor will his 

 master be so with him ; but when a man knows his duties distinctly, and that 

 they must be satisfactorily fulfilled, it is alike advantageous to both him and his 

 master. In such cases it is, however, essential that a man be paid a fair wage, 

 which is the case in a good many districts now. The average wage for journey- 

 men in this district is at present about 17s. per week, with lodgings, and very 

 commonly potatoes and milk, an allowance for Sunday duty, and the usual per- 

 quisites — altogether equal to 21s. or 22s. per week at least. Such a wage, with 

 no broken time, and no expenses for tools — an important item to the tradesman 

 and ordinary labourer — is by no means to be despised by young gardeners, whose 

 occupation does not fit them to enter into competition with any other than the 

 labouring class. J. S. 



[They are not over-paid at the wage named, but better paid than are head- 

 gardeners. — Ed.] 



