1897.] ESSAYS. 35 



view. But the knowledge of a trade is in itself a temptation to 

 practice it. Accordingly we find woman carpenters, smiths, etc. In 

 the large cities the Woman's Exchanges have made it possible for 

 women to dispose of art products to profitable advantage. The most 

 prolific cause of all, however, is the introduction of stenography. 

 The stenographer inevitably tends to become the private secretary, 

 and, in many cases, the confidential adviser. For men it early 

 proved a stepping-stone to all forms of business advancement. Why 

 should not the same be true in regard to women? No satisfactory 

 negative reason can be found, and so women have entered all depart- 

 ments of industry. Ten years ago my task would have been a 

 revolutionary one. Today the revolution has been accomplished. 

 Instead of pleading for a new principle I am simply to indicate how 

 one more application can be made of a principle already established. 

 I am here today to extend to Horticulture and Floriculture the 

 methods already employed in many other fields of industry. I have 

 classified this subject, and first is, Possibilities for all Women. 



What many have done and all can do. It is not my aim nor pur- 

 pose to discourage or cause any of the thousands of women in this 

 country who are engaged in other vocations to be dissatisfied with 

 their lot, but it is to show those who are endeavoring to solve the 

 question of self-support, that the occupation of gardening is a profita- 

 ble one, provided it be carried on with steady, personal application, 

 without which there is success in nothing. I wish also to show that 

 there are possibilities and success beyond a life spent in government 

 buildings, behind the store counters in our vast cities, in school- 

 houses, in factories and workshops. The farm and garden feeds you 

 all. No wonder you sigh for the green fields, the fresh fruits, vege- 

 tables and flowers, horses and carriages to ride over the country with, 

 a home of contentment and rest. Look at the vast army of women 

 that find employment in our cities, who toil from morn to night, 

 tired and dragged from day in to day out ; they will tell you they like 

 it, there is excitement in it, better pay, more privileges, etc. On the 

 other hand it costs more to live in cities, air is often poor, if more is 

 earned less is saved, and what have you to show for yolir earnings 

 when you are along in years and care to work no more. 



On the other side, the woman gardener, with a small beginning, 

 has been making a pleasant and valuable home, it has gained in value 

 year by year, her money gained is invested in something that she 

 owns and will for a lifetime. One essential to success in gardening 

 is a love for it; but given this, and intelligence to first plan carefully 



