Division and Employment of Time. 135 



Art. V. On the judicious Division and Employment of Time, 

 especially addressed to Young Gardeners. By Juvenis Olitor. 



Sir, 



After glancing over the several propositions which, in the 

 Gardener's Magazine, are suggested for the improvement of 

 young gardeners (many of which merit considerable attention, 

 and, no doubt, among the more spirited class, will not only 

 draw forth a feeling of gratitude, but, it is trusted, will excite 

 them to a diligence and assiduity equally praiseworthy on their 

 part), I find extant in the desiderata one which may be con- 

 sidered of too great import not to be included in the list of 

 those already brought under notice. 



I mean the judicious formation of a chronometer, which is 

 the only preventative I know foi- that fatal intruder, procras- 

 tination, which, in so many instances, is allowed a place in the 

 society of the class above mentioned. I know nothing so well 

 calculated to accelerate the studies of the young gardener, 

 as a proper disposal of his leisure hours in something like a 

 systematic way. It is in consequence of such an oversight 

 that so many grovel in a degree of mediocrity, notwithstand- 

 ing their several exertions. I do not mean to charge them 

 with a total neglect of application (from such individuals I 

 would preclude the name of gardener) ; but I am aware of a 

 prevailing error, which ought to be extirpated with all pos- 

 sible speed. I trust a hint or two is all that is necessary to 

 obviate the procedure I intend pointing out. 



It cannot be denied that many young gardeners ardently 

 pursue the various literary topics necessary for a competent 

 knowledge of their profession, but in such an erratic manner, 

 that their progress is not only retarded, but rendered in a 

 great measure abortive. When any particular department is 

 in pursuit, it is generally without restraint, until some novel 

 attraction fall under their cognizance ; when, all of a sudden, 

 their old companion must be retrenched by the new in- 

 truder, long ere an adequate acquaintance has been formed. 

 Thus time flies on, until something else presents itself neces- 

 sary to be laid hold of, and also is grasped with the same 

 unbounded limit; when it is necessary, in a certain degree, to 

 suppress, or totally to lay aside, those formerly followed after. 

 That such a system is practised, if a, system it may be termed, 

 many must confess, although none so able to judge of its de- 

 merits as those who have practically felt its bad effects. It is 

 almost impossible here to establish a rule by which a reform- 

 ation as above stated is to be effected : that must be a dis- 

 cretionary point with the young gardener himself, which must 



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