16 THE GARDENING YEAR 



together with a sense of importance, bids him drop 

 it hurriedly as he hears footsteps approaching. His 

 two chiefs must be defended, even if the loot 

 snatched from the pig-tub has to be temporarily 

 abandoned. Fortunately, the attacking party is 

 not a very formidable one, and finding that it is 

 only a little girl of twelve, and her nurse, who are 

 not in the least intimidated by his little white, 

 grinning teeth, Timothy retraces his footsteps, 

 feeling that duty has been accomplished and 

 enjoyment will thus be made doubly pleasant. 

 The bone is taken to another resting-place, and 

 quiet reigns once more in the office. 



The little girl has come to have a first interview, 

 and she will be, if after a week's trial she remains 

 here, the youngest student that we have ever had. 

 As she is commencing very early in life, it will be 

 necessary for her to remain here four years at 

 least, and during that time she will be educated as 

 a sort of apprentice. Gardencraft is to become 

 her life, her profession, and other studies at school 

 are from now to cease, so that she may concentrate 

 entirely upon the new work. It would be well if 

 others took the sensible view her nurse takes as she 

 discusses with the Principal the future aims of her 

 small charge. 



One of the most important factors towards 

 success is the possession of real love for a pro- 

 fession or occupation. Without this, daily work 

 becomes drudgery, and so it is essential to begin 

 early to interest a young girl in what will be her 

 life-work. Even if, at the commencement, she 

 possesses no decided taste for it, in all probability 



