170 Difficulties qf young Gardeners 



could show, from instances, that a man's general knowledge 

 has been the means of rendering him an eyesore, and ex- 

 posing him to every species of insult. To be convicted of 

 asserting your innocence when charged with unwarranted 

 blame is, with such men, a sufficient plea for stigmatising you 

 with the epithets of insolent and surly, and indulging in 

 abusive language that would disgrace a company of oyster- 

 women, or a party of coal-heavers. The effects of such treat- 

 ment not only preclude improvement during the hours of 

 labour, but I have frequently seen that, when a young man got 

 to his lodgings at night, instead of being in a state for apply- 

 ing himself to any study whatever, he has retired disconsolate 

 to his chamber, there to experience some relaxation of his 

 griefs, by giving vent to those distracting feelings " of which, 

 in presence of his fellow-men, his pride had stopped the flood- 

 gates." Some support this abominable system, considering it 

 necessary for keeping men in subjection, and sufficiently at- 

 tentive to their duties. Never was a weaker argument pro- 

 duced, or that showed less acquaintance with human nature. 

 That a master should keep as much distance from his men 

 as is necessary for respect to his authority and obedience to 

 his commands none will deny ; but that this tyrannising sys- 

 tem can be productive of these results none will admit who 

 have marked the fear portrayed in the countenance, and the 

 energy apparent in every muscle, of the men, when the little 

 despot appeared in view, and the skulking, scheming, and 

 watching that took place, when once he y^as out of the way. 

 To treat men with humanity and confidence is the true method 

 to render them diligent and faithful. The better feelings of 

 their nature are brought into action, and, impelled by grati- 

 tude and respect, they will strain every nerve to further their 

 master's designs and promote his interest. 



The practice prevalent in some places, of causing the young 

 men to work beyond regular hours, without allowing them 

 any compensation, cannot but be prejudicial, as depriving 

 them of those hours of relaxation which ought to be devoted 

 to mental improvement. That there are occasions when an 

 hour or two of extra-time may be required none will deny, 

 or seek to withhold ; but the rendering of it common is not 

 only a species of robbery, but a degrading of the young men 

 below the labourers, who are generally permitted to go home 

 at the regular hours. Perhaps some may say there is no ne- 

 cessity in the case; but the truth is, there is an absolute neces- 

 sity to do so if it is required : the consequence of the least 

 grumbling or remonstrance would be, the information, by none 

 of the most pleasant methods, that, if you did not, another 



