GARDENING FOR AND BY AMATEURS. 15 



demand for the literature which has become so highly interesting 

 to the horticulturist and the amateur, acquainting the reader 

 with the possibilities in all parts of the country, illustrating some 

 of the most attractive places which have been entirely conducted 

 from the beginning by the amateur; these illustrations show admir- 

 able taste and art. 



It is not surprising that one will find a whole family taking 

 active interest and personally conducting and doing the work 

 needed to bring about the results in either the hardy garden, rose 

 garden, rock or water garden. 



Tastes vary as much in this direction as in any other hobby, 

 except that there is none other that offers as much variety, health, 

 enjoyment, and information. 



By this personal application the amateur becomes laden with 

 ideas which are responsive to the successful experimenting with 

 plants, and being capable of describing, the write up by such, with 

 the living illustrations from photography, has been the means of 

 great inspiration among plant lovers the country over; and in 

 few places is there a spot so sterile that there is not a bloom of 

 some kind during the growing season. 



It can be claimed therefore that the impetus given to horticul- 

 ture and floriculture has been by and through the enthusiastic 

 amateurs who have been rewarded with results for their personal 

 efforts, close application, and common sense practice. It is not 

 uncommon to find among the amateurs many with as good botani- 

 cal intelligence and knowledge of a wide range of plants as are 

 found among the professionals. 



The reasons are obvious, for our state institutions are thoroughly 

 equipped in their horticultural departments for practical work 

 for men and women. At Ambler, Pennsylvania, has been estab- 

 lished a school of horticulture for women. The full course consists 

 of two years of twelve months each. 



The plan of the Pennsylvania School of Horticulture for Women 

 has originated in the desire to offer to women an opportunity to 

 fit themselves for an occupation at once healthful, pleasant, profit- 

 able, peculiarly fitted to their gifts, and in which they have taken 

 an intelligent interest and active part. An outline of the courses 

 given is as follows: 



