78 CHRISTMAS 



ful of their children, produce from small handbags 

 little penny toys that are wrapped up so carefully 

 in tissue paper that one might suppose they cost a 

 guinea. They explain that this year they have 

 arranged, as a family, to choose no gifts that 

 exceed 2s. 6d., for all the savings have to go to 

 help those families of soldiers and sailors who are 

 in distress. Thus, an all-absorbing, all-prevailing 

 thought unites both friends and strangers in one 

 large bond of good-fellowship. The hearts of many 

 are unlocked, all reserve or shyness is dispersed. 



A Gardening College is, perhaps, less affected by 

 sadness and depression than other communities of 

 people, for the work that has to be done is clearly 

 of far-reaching national importance and, when this 

 is the case, workers carry with them that light- 

 hearted, contented feeling which accompanies a 

 clear conscience. No hesitation or doubt enters 

 the minds of women gardeners as to whether a 

 different employment would help their country 

 more. 



Even the least credulous observers of women's 

 work are aware that women of all nations are 

 rendering splendid service to the State by increasing 

 home-grown food supplies. This winter it has not 

 been a mere apprenticeship in order to learn how 

 to grow plants well or wherein to be observant of 

 routine. A great deal more has been expected from 

 the individual student, for she, like all English 

 women, has been asked to sacrifice herself for the 

 general good. Thus, much that would usually be 

 the work of paid men has fallen to the daily task of 

 students. 



