524 COTTAGE GARDENS ASSOCIATION. 



actually incurred. It is proposed that the centre of 

 the association should be London, with branches through- 

 out the Kingdom the latter under local management, 

 but subject to the general rules of the association. On 

 each allotment there may be erected a greenhouse and 

 arbour, the site and plans of buildings being first approved 

 by the directors of the association or committee of manage- 

 ment. In this scheme I think we have good grounds on 

 which to establish a claim to the kindly co-operation of 

 landed proprietors, municipal authorities, and the wealthy 

 class generally. Surely it is not an insignificant or unim- 

 portant aim that would at once place within easy reach 

 of the toiling millions a source of health, recreation, and 

 increased supply of wholesome and nourishing food. I 

 cannot but think that in this rich, populous, and enter- 

 prising country shareholders will be forthcoming sufficient 

 to set the association fairly afloat, and that once at work 

 it will prove not only self-supporting but yield a fair 

 interest to the shareholders for their capital. 



I derive much encouragement from the fact that the 

 love and practice of gardening among the humbler classes 

 is to a great extent inherent, and is rapidly increasing, 

 even under the difficulties which at present usually beset 

 it, and it is reasonable to suppose that it would take a 

 considerable development if small plots of suitable land .in 

 accessible places could be rented at a fair value. In the 

 face of this fact there would, in my opinion, be little risk, 

 and the prospect of a fair profit, if representatives of the 

 towns and villages in England were to rent land easily 

 accessible, with the view of reletting it to cottagers, 

 artisans, and small tradesmen. A central association in 

 London, inviting the towns and villages to form branches 

 under local committees of their own choosing, conforming 

 to one central code, except in minor matters, should meet 

 with a ready response. No heavy responsibilities need be 

 incurred, the expenditure in any one district being regu- 

 lated by actual demand. 



