of Young Gardeners. 433 



as a fit habitation for a number of beings of the same species 

 with themselves, were they to give the matter one single 

 thought, or were it to be explained to them. But that such 

 is the case is an undeniable fact. I would not wish to go to 

 extremes, but I really think that gardeners ought to have at 

 least two rooms for their use ; and there can be no doubt 

 that such accommodation would materially accelerate their 

 improvement. In every lodge where there are a number of 

 young men, they are always engaged in different pursuits : 

 some may be studying arithmetic, or writing, reading, drawing, 

 or the like ; while others may be improving themselves in 

 music, or talking on different subjects. Now, this is all very 

 good and very proper ; but it must appear plain to every 

 person that all of these employments cannot go well on in 

 one small room, and that arithmetic and music are not very 

 agreeable companions. Many other examples might be 

 brought forward to prove the benefit which would arise from 

 better accommodation, but this may suffice for the present. 



The improvement of young gardeners depends much upon 

 the head gardener ; and I might here show the evil effects 

 which arise from master gardeners engaging too many ap- 

 prentices ; which, although it may be gain to themselves, 

 must injure those who wish employment as journeymen. 

 But I will not enlarge upon that at present. I am sorry to 

 think that there are so many who seem to forget what they 

 once were, and who appear to consider themselves above 

 giving instructions to those who are under their charge. 

 They have much in their power ; as their wages, in general, 

 are such as enable them to purchase books on gardening 

 and botany, which, if lent to the young gardener, would 

 effect much good. These books are so high-priced, that 

 they are quite beyond the reach of many to procure them, 

 and there are so few circulating libraries which contain 

 books on such subjects, that, unless those who are able 

 be also willing to lend, those who are unable to purchase 

 books must remain ignorant of their valuable contents. 

 Almost every young man has a desire for improvement, and 

 almost all wish to acquire a thorough knowledge of their 

 profession. When they are encouraged and assisted by their 

 masters, this desire is strengthened ; it is like adding fuel to 

 the flame; and it will continue to burn stronger and stronger 

 until they arrive at eminence in their profession, and even 

 then it will not cease. I am proud to say that I have had 

 the good fortune to be placed under men whose character 

 and conduct differ widely from those hinted at by some of 

 your young correspondents, in preceding pages of your 



Vol. IX. — No. 45. f r 



