312 EARLY SUMMER 



and disturbing questionings are not present, to 

 examine the condition of each crop. 



She passes on, therefore, from one row of peas 

 to another, ascertaining whether mice have been 

 at work, and, if so, resetting the little traps with 

 tempting bits of cheese, finding out which crops 

 are in need of hoeing, what vegetables are ready 

 for picking, and she makes lists of those to whom 

 the different things are to be sent. 



By the time the students arrive at 7 a.m. 

 when the big bell sounds, she is ready to give neces- 

 sary orders about picking and packing. Although 

 the young gardeners are not expected to come 

 before the appointed hour, they often voluntarily 

 begin work previously, so as to snatch an oppor- 

 tunity of looking after their own individual flower- 

 gardens, which each is proud to possess during her 

 sojourn with us. This is a spirit which it is en- 

 couraging to see ; it proclaims that there are no 

 " slackers " amongst the community and that a 

 real love of work stimulates them in the hours 

 that they devote to their training. 



Having mapped out upon separate sheets of 

 paper or bill-heads the various requirements of 

 private customers, the young forewoman directs 

 her gang of workers as to which frames will yield 

 lettuces that are in good condition, and which 

 rows of beans are ready for picking, neither too 

 old nor yet too young ; then, having started all 

 at their several tasks, she is able to go off to break- 

 fast. 



They, meanwhile, collect the different groups of 

 vegetables in small heaps upon the table of the 



