Necessity for professional and general Knowledge. 137 



tion ; their ideas, which are too often hastily formed, would, 

 by the ordeal which they would necessarily pass through, be 

 refined ; and, lastly, a taste for books and study would be 

 instilled, which, in itself, is quite argument enough for the 

 establishment of such an institution. If it were necessary, 

 I could adduce actual proofs of the expediency and advan- 

 tageousness of such societies. Though as yet rare among 

 gardeners, many of them exist among mechanics ; and, so 

 far as I know, they have always been attended with success. 

 A library forms a useful accompaniment to them; for the 

 formation of which, a few shillings only would be required 

 from each. 



The diffusion of knowledge has of late become so general, 

 that such a medium of improvement as I have stated must be 

 resorted to by the younger branches of the gardening profes- 

 sion, to enable them at least to keep within sight of those who 

 are rapidly approaching to perfection. 



Feb.. 1832. J. G. 



Art. III. On the Necessity for increased Exertion on the part of 

 young Gardeners to store their Minds tvith professional and 

 general Knowledge. By Scienti^e et JustitIjE Amator. 



Sir, 



I have frequently enjoyed much pleasure in reading your 

 sentiments upon education, and the many advices and in- 

 structions you have imparted for the purpose of inciting young 

 men to pursue the acquisition of knowledge, as necessary to 

 their filling the station of head gardener with honour to 

 themselves and satisfaction to their employers. 



If ever there was a time when young men ought to bestir 

 themselves, and pay particular attention to the cultivation of 

 their intellect, it is surely now, when knowledge is majestically 

 traversing the length and breadth of our land ; not only visiting 

 the splendid mansions of the great, but condescending also 

 to enter the clay biggins of the humble poor ; exerting its 

 beneficial influence upon man in every grade of life ; removing 

 the veil which delusion had cast over truth ; dispersing the 

 mist and vapour which had obscured the mental landscape ; 

 and triumphing over ignorance, when seated most securely in 

 her fortresses and strongholds. 



The enjoyment which results from the acquisition ot 

 knowledge is so delightful, that this circumstance ought to 

 operate as a sufficient inducement to the prosecution of it. 

 The man who has a well-cultivated mind possesses a treasure 



