THE SCIENTIFIC EDUCATION OF GAKDEXEK8. 1 62P 



rojoct. according' to the facts iu the case. It is the almost 

 universal practice in some countries, and sadly too common in thiSy 

 for gardeners, — and they are not a particle different from other 

 employes, to expect, yes, to demand, a commission on all pur- 

 chases made for their employers. This method of getting extra 

 compensation from an employer, without his knowledge, is a sad 

 injury to one of the most beautiful and honorable pi'ofessions that 

 man ever followed — that of the gardener — not only in the break- 

 ing down of manhood and common honesty, which entails the loss, 

 of character, but in creating a lack of confidence on the part of the 

 employer which will not permit him to make the advancement in 

 wages and position that he would otherwise be glad to make. 

 Some of the English seedsmen have repeatedly told me that most 

 of the head gardeners in that country bought, annually, fifty 

 times more seeds, in value, than the}' could possiblj' use, simply to 

 get the commission. Our observation shows that this practice i& 

 on the increase in this country. We have been asked for the 

 commission frequently, the parties claiming it as a right, saying 

 "all seedsmen allow it." But all do not. No man Avorthy the 

 name of seedsman will compound a fraud of this kind and no man- 

 worthy of the name of gardener would do otherwise than reject an 

 offer which would disgrace himself and cast a blight on the whole 

 fraternity. We know many gardeners who feel keenl}^ the dis- 

 grace heaped upon them by their dishonorable associates. A 

 gentleman who owus a large place recently told me that he shcRilcC 

 be glad to give me his order but he dared not, for if he did his- 

 garden would be ruined for the season. He knew wh}' seeds were 

 bought elsewhere and said it was cheapest to keep quiet and 

 submit to the imposition, and further, that but for this he would 

 largely extend his area of glass, — in fact would be glad to start a 

 commercial place and give his gardener the lion's share of the 

 profit, but he could not trust a man who would practice such little 

 irregularities. Now, I do not think a large proportion of our 

 gardeners are dishonest in this respect, but the few work great 

 injury to the whole. It should not be so, but it is, and the young: 

 gardener looking for success in his profession should reject with 

 righteous indignation all emoluments of this chai'acter, which, I 

 am sorry to sa}', will be freely tendered him. 



But to return to the question of practical education. Where 

 can it be obtained ? Taking it for granted that a voung man has 



