272 Improving the Gardens bf Cottagers. 



I, of course, feel myself included in the general appeal. I 

 most sincerely lament, Sir, that I am at present placed in a 

 situation where I can do but little, except by my advice ; 

 however, what little I can do I shall always, to the best of 

 my judgment, feel pleasure in doing, whenever opportunity 

 occurs. I am also well assured that a wish to assist in this 

 matter is a prevailing one amongst gardeners of all descrip- 

 tions ; not only are they instigated to this by the gratifying 

 employment of doing good, but also from the pleasure of seeing 

 others devote their minds to a rational and useful occupation, 

 from which they themselves have derived much gratification. 

 At the same time, I am truly sorry to say, that so little 

 encouragement is given to gardeners in general by their em- 

 ployers, that almost nothing can be expected while those who 

 have the means and power not only appear indifferent them- 

 selves, but even place restrictions on those who would willingly 

 lend their aid under their influence and patronage. I am 

 aware, Sir, from actual observation, that there are gentlemen 

 who would much rather see such things as a few cuttings of 

 gooseberry or currant trees consumed by the fire, or a few 

 spare roots or seeds of useful vegetables (not easily to be come 

 at by labourers) given to their pigs, or even thrown to the 

 dunghill ; and I also know that there is a suspicious sort of 

 blindness, and a littleness of mind which prevails amongst 

 some of the higher orders, so that if their gardeners should 

 by chance give away a cutting of a gooseberry or other article, 

 he is supposed to be either directly or indirectly turning it to 

 his own pecuniary advantage. Yes, Sir, even where a mutual 

 exchange has only been made, (certainly more for their master's 

 interest than their own convenience,) I have known it strictly 

 forbidden, or if otherwise, obliged to be done as if it were by 

 stealth. Others, who do not go quite so far as to give such a 

 peremptory refusal, still view an exchange for mutual accom- 

 modation, or a spare cutting, plant, or paper of seeds given 

 away, with a jealous and distrustful eye, perhaps more galling 

 to an honest and upright character. 



Now, Sir, while such erroneous and narrow-minded sus- 

 picions exist (and exist most assuredly they do), it must 

 be a very material hinderance in the way of improvement ; 

 in fact, were it general, we might justly term it a complete 

 barrier, almost impassable by human exertion. But let us 

 hope for something better, and suppose that through your 

 continued exertions an increasing spirit for this most im- 

 portant undertaking may be infused into the minds of the 

 powerful and rich ; and that they not only will encourage 



