INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. 17 



est nabob in aristocratic Europe. This pleasure may be en- 

 joyed by most persons. Half the money that is often 

 spent in " gingerbread" decorations, miscalled ornaments 

 around a dwelling-house, would erect a little grapery, 

 which in many places might be attached to, or cover one 

 end of the building, having a door leading into it from the 

 house : and let not the wife or daughters think the neces- 

 sary attentions required during the absence of the " gude 

 man," to be a degrading pursuit, for it is no mean occupa- 

 tion. Woman never yet lowered herself by being seen in 

 the garden, or by obtaining a knowledge of plants, and 

 rural affairs, and it is surely far better to be employed in 

 healthful exercise, such as is here furnished, than to be 

 lolling from morn to night, inanimate, as it were, upon the 

 downy sofa, reading exciting and voluptuous novels, and 

 assisting the seeds of consumption to germinate. Would 

 that we could induce our accomplished matrons, and fair 

 belles to take a more active part in the operations of hor- 

 ticulture. Why should these departments be considered 

 too masculine for woman's position in society I 



