476 THE GARDENER. [Oct. 



trench would be at a loss how to commence ; so a knowledge of all 

 the o^Derations is not only invaluable but indispensable. Then, my 

 young brethren, take the advice of one who, like yourselves, is striving 

 in the art : commence at the bottom of the ladder, working steadily 

 step by step to the top. Many have endeavoured to do so at once, 

 but have signally failed. Certainly when a person thinks of the many 

 items he must become acquainted with it is enough to dishearten him : 

 I know it has been the case with me, but I will strive to gain the well- 

 honoured profession, and by way of encouragement advise my young 

 brethren to do likewise. 



Much has been written in this and other gardening periodicals 

 relating to gardeners, the chief topics touched being their instruction, 

 wages, and accommodation in the way of living. With regard to the 

 former I cannot say more than I have, save that all young men who 

 contemplate being gardeners should be bound apprentice for a term 

 not less than two years and pay a premium ; and head-gardeners 

 requiring a journeyman should only take into their service those who 

 can show they have passed their apprenticeship. By that way we 

 would, I think, get rid of those who, when they cannot succeed at 

 anything else, turn their hands to gardening, thereby injuring the true 

 class. 



The recent rise of wages of journeymen and foremen, which was 

 sadly wanted, has been very encouraging, and, as far as I know, they 

 are in that respect pretty well cared for. 



Next comes accommodation, which is, in my opinion, the most 

 neglected thing in gardening. Really it is a disgrace to the profes- 

 sion to see the hovels some young men are provided with. There 

 are some bothies I know where the men have to do everything them- 

 selves, and that in their own time. Some are well cared for in that 

 respect, and have persons to attend to their bothy, and papers and 

 books provided for their use, which is a great encouragement ; but my 

 opinion is that bothies only tend to lead young men into idle and 

 filthy habits. 



In conclusion let me advise my young brethren to spend their 

 evenings and spare time in some way towards improving their stock 

 of knowledge, reading and studying (there is a wide field for improve- 

 ment), and not, as is too common in the bothy, sit down to a game of 

 cards or dominoes. Charles Bennett. 



NOTES FROM I^EW ZEALAISTD. 



The annual general meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society of Otago, was 

 held at the Athenseum, Dunedin, on the 30th of April, when the seventh annual 



