294 Relative Duties of Gardeners. 



other expenses connected with such visits. However con- 

 tented a man may appear under such circumstances, and, 

 from a sense of duty, continue to persevere in promoting the 

 rural pleasures of his master, he cannot feel unconscious that 

 he is unjustly treated. Thus affairs go on : the one never 

 represents his feelings, and the other, from the apparent con- 

 tent of his servant, never extends his liberality. Eventually, 

 he mentions the case to his patron nurserymen (who, by the 

 bye, are always glad to provide this caste of gardeners for 

 their most liberal customers), and a more advantageous situ- 

 ation is obtained. But when the circumstance of his leaving 

 is mentioned to his master, he can then raise his wages ; and 

 does not forget to declare, that his gardener is destitute of 

 every feeling of honour and gratitude if his offers are refused. 

 But will a man of even ordinary mind feel happy in accepting 

 these forced advantages? Surely not. Experience and ob- 

 servation prove, that where the man retains his situation after 

 such an occurrence, the bond of attachment and confidence is 

 materially injured. 



Thus a narrow minded policy on the part of the master is 

 evidently a great drawback to horticulture, and is a source of 

 much vexation and inconvenience. The master loses a good 

 servant, and the gardener is prevented from completing 

 many experiments he had commenced. 



The preventive to this evil is easy. Let not the master 

 wait till such an event as I have described transpires, to put 

 his liberality to the test ; but, of his own fred will, adopt 

 those measures which will secure his gardener's attachment 

 and energies to his person and services. 



The case, Sir, I have described is by no means uncommon, 

 and I really think that if you were to produce an article on 

 the subject, it could not fail of arousing the consideration of 

 gentlemen, and induce them to adopt measures to prevent an 

 inconvenience which many of them have experienced. 



I need not attempt to prove to you, Sir, that an industrious 

 and intelligent gardener annually increases his employer's 

 profits and pleasures, and, therefore, in common justice, de- 

 serves adequate remuneration. 



I am, Sir, &c. 

 January 10. 1827. G. P. R. 



