THE GARDEN AND THE SEASONS 245 



We may also study them in various soils, for if we have but 

 one kind of soil in our own garden, it is possible that a friend 

 has a different kind of soil in his, and, by comparing his 

 plants with ours, we can gain much interest. By these 

 means we may also avoid many errors of our own and of 

 other people. 



" We can also, by watching the plants growing in various 

 gardens and nurseries, decide what we like best for a further 

 planting in the autumn or spring. It is a truly delightful 

 occupation to go over a friend's lovely garden, and remark 

 and take notes on certain plants with which one is specially 

 taken. Such a list, with the names, heights, and colours, 

 should be carefully drawn up, and kept till planting time, 

 when it will be found a great assistance, and the result 

 should be far more satisfactory than that obtained by 

 choosing names out of lists, or visiting nurseries in the 

 spring. 



" If, as our saying says, experience teaches, I may be 

 permitted to urge the interest of experiments during these 

 summer months. No doubt, the results may not be of 

 sufficient interest to be ' given to the world,' but still 

 experimenting is very fascinating work. More especially 

 do I now think of simple chemical fertilisers; their use 

 with many plants may be studied, but of course be very 

 moderate in their application. 



" W T e may also experiment with colours and combinations 

 of colours, and note which we like best. Many will have 

 tried some new effect in their borders perhaps, even in 

 their summer bedding this year, and much can be learnt 

 if one has a good eye for colour effect. I need hardly add 

 that it is no waste of time to record the results in the garden 

 diary. So I urge, as I close this article, that the summer is 

 a glorious time for study. We all wish to improve our 

 knowledge on subjects of which we are fond, and we have 

 before us now a time and opportunities in which to do it. 

 Close observation and study of plant life will amply repay 

 the trouble if it is trouble and the amateur will find 

 new joys in gardening, and should gain more success." 



