4 THE CULINARY GARDEN, 



But the garden of the sluggard is a reproach to him, 

 and to the public a certain loss. It behoves us, there- 

 fore, to be at all due pains in the cultivation of the 

 earth, and to cherish its products ; well knowing, 

 that the more we do for the soil, the more grate- 

 ful will it be in return, and yield us fruits in abun- 

 dance. 



A knowledge of the quality of soils ; how to im- 

 prove them ; the value, effect, and proper applica- 

 tion of manures ; is the basis of every horticultural 

 improvement : and an acquaintance with the nature 

 of the different plants to be cultivated ; their dura- 

 tion ; manner of growth, and the soils they most af- 

 fect, is necessary to him who would excel in garden- 

 ing. 



Hence the necessity of close application and study, 

 and of keen observation in the young gardener. No- 

 thing should escape him ; he should mark every oc- 

 currence. His situation is different from that of the 

 mechanic, the operations of whose business revolve 

 daily or weekly, w r ho has frequent opportunities to 

 correct mistakes. The operations in gardening re- 

 volve more seldom ; many of them but once a-year. 

 They are all liable to accidents ; to be affected by 

 the changes in the weather, and are subject to the 

 depredations of insect enemies. 



The efforts of those most skilful and attentive in 

 the cultivation of the delicate kinds of vegetables, 

 are frequently baffled ; more particularly in cases 

 where the soil is not congenial for the purpose. It re- 

 quires, therefore, no ordinary degree of patience and 

 industry, in bad seasons, to bear up and make head 



