ON THE PROFESSION OF A GARDENER. 447 



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

 which require a dexterity in operation, and a nicety in 

 hitting the proper season for doing it. A gardener 

 should be a sort of prophet in foreseeing what will 

 happen under certain circumstances, and wisely cau- 

 tious to provide (by the most probable means) against 

 what may happen. 



A man cannot be a good gardener, except he be 

 thoughtful, steady, and industrious; possessing a supe- 

 rior degree of sobriety and moral excellence, as well 

 as genius and knowledge adapted to his business. 

 He should be modest in his manners and opinions. 

 It too often happens vi:h those who have much prac- 

 tical skill, that they slight what is written upon sub- 

 jects of their profession ; which is a fastidious temper, 

 that the man of real merit will hardly entertain. 



The knowledge of botany is not necessary to the 

 business of a practical gardener, but it might be made 

 useful to him, or at least a matter of amusement and 

 relaxation, enabling him to be respectably communi- 

 cative. Some knowledge in this way he will perhaps 

 not content himself without, if he has any thing to do 

 with the green-house, and hot-house, as many curious 

 plants are admitted there. 



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

 is \hegoal of respectability at which he ought to aim, 

 who presumes to call himself a professed one ; and 

 no doubt there are many in noblemen's and gentle- 

 men's services, who are thus respectable in their abi- 

 lities and good conduct. 



It remains for the employer to consider the merits 

 of his gardener, and reward him accordingly, lie 

 should reflect upon the importance of his garden to 

 himself, family, and friends; and how great difference 

 there is between one well, and one ill managed. If 

 the soil and situation is untoward, or the season 

 <cross, (which in England is very apt to try a gar- 



