ON THE PROFESSION OF A GARDENER. 419 



There are few things to be done in a garden, but 

 which require a dexterity in operation, and a nicety in 

 hitting the proper feafon for doing it. A gardener 

 fhould be a fort of prophet in forefeein<r what will 

 happen under certain frircumflances, and wifely cautious 

 to provide (by the moil probable means] againft what 

 may happen. 



A man cannot be a good gardener, except he be 

 thoughtful, fleady, and indultrious ; pone fling a fupe- 

 rior degree of moral excellence, as well as genius and 

 knowledge adapted to his buhnefs. He fhould be 

 modelt in his manners and opinions. It too often hap- 

 pens with thofe who have much practical {kill, that 

 they flight what is written upon fubjects of their pro- 

 feflion ; which is a faffidious temper, that the man of 

 real merit will hardly pofTefs. 



The knowledge of botany is not neceflary to. the 

 bufinefs of a practical gardener, but it might be made 

 r.feful to him, or at le.il a matter of amufement and 

 relaxation, enabling him to be refpeclably communica- 

 tive. Some knowledge in this way he will perhaps 

 not content himfelf without, if he has any tiling to do 

 with the green-houje, and hot-honfe, as manv curious 

 plants are admitted there. 



The character of a gardener is here fet high; but it 

 is the goal of refpectability at which he' ought to aim, 

 who prefumes to call himfelf a profefjed one; and no 

 doubt there are many in noblemen's and gentlemen's 

 fervices, who are thus refpectable in their abilities and 

 con duel. 



It remains for the employer to confider the ?nerits of 

 his gardener, and reward him accordingly. He fhould 

 reflect upon the imporrance of his garden to himfelf, 

 family, and friends; and how great difference there is 

 between one well, and one /'// managed. If the foil 

 and fituation is untoward, or the feafon crols, (which 

 in England is very apt to try a gardener's ikill and 

 patience) he fhould be ready to make allowance, as 



there 



