GARDENS. 35 



Munroe a premium of two dollars for Flower Garden/' and 

 that only one entry had been made the present season. We 

 cannot let the present opportunity pass without doing what 

 we can to direct attention anew to this subject. It is well 

 known that a large proportion of our early vegetables are pro- 

 cured in Boston, and after adding expense of freight, are sold 

 at a profit by the dealer; this, together with the fact that 

 vegetables, freshly gathered, are better and more health)', 

 should induce the farmers of Worcester North to endeavor to 

 furnish a supply for the markets of our larger towns, and our 

 mechanics and others, wherever practicable, to raise their 

 own supply. We would stimulate all such persons to greater 

 efforts in this direction, not doubting but they will find it both 

 remunerative and an increase of employment. There are 

 many mechanics who are employed in shops and elsewhere, 

 who would find time, in addition to their regular employment, 

 to cultivate a garden, and would find it a pleasant recreation, 

 beside other advantages named. We are not aware of the 

 amount paid out in a single season for vegetables, even in a 

 small family. We know it is said by some that it is cheaper 

 to buy j this we do not admit, only to the extent that it might 

 not pay for any one to attempt to raise every kind, for their 

 land might not be adapted to all. At the Hall, in 1863, one 

 individual exhibited fifty-four varieties, but few would have 

 leisure to attend to so large an assortment, nor is it neces- 

 sary, for a comparatively few varieties, of the most approved 

 kinds, are sufficient. It is hardly necessary to say that in 

 order to succeed, especial care should be taken in the prepa- 

 ration of the soil, it being thoroughly worked, either by the 

 plow or spade, or both, and that the manure used also, should 

 be fine, and not green from the yard, that it may mix readily 

 with the soil. Care should be had also in selecting seeds j it 

 is believed that many of those for sale do not germinate on 

 account of age. We know of no remedy for this, but for 

 each one to raise his own. But it is not always the fault 

 of the seeds. Many plant their gardens too early. A few 



