xx INTRODUCTION 



things there is the open field culture. Also there are in 

 France and in all countries certain things that have to 

 be grown in the best natural conditions and soils if 

 their finest qualities are to be secured such things as 

 asparagus, for example, and even the wild-flavoured 

 turnips we see in our markets in spring ; and, whether 

 we deal with plants, or horses, or cattle, or sheep, no skill 

 can take the place of the natural conditions that suit 

 them best. 



For the special cultures round Paris a good supply 

 of water is essential, and this cannot be commanded so 

 well in open field culture. In the British Islands the 

 supply of water is so copious that, except in the south 

 and east, we seldom feel the want of it ; but in the London 

 district, in hot summers, the markets sometimes suffer, 

 and therefore a good water supply in all parts of the 

 choice garden is a gain. I noticed in the Chinese gardens 

 in California a striking resemblance to French ways 

 in their thorough culture, absolute cleanliness, and 

 immediate supplies of water ; and everything suggested 

 some old-world connection between the two. 



W. ROBINSON. 



