374 soldiers' gardens. 



SUGGESTIONS RELATIVE TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF 

 SOLDIERS' GARDENS IN INDIA. 



1. If the object in the establishment of these gardens be merely 

 to provide the soldiers with a source of rational amusement in 

 their leisure hours, it is obvious that any degree of rigid super- 

 intendence or control would be out of place, and might make 

 the project unpalatable to the men. The interference of the officers 

 should be in the way of advice and encouragement rather than of 

 control. So long as the men turn their gardens to account in the 

 way most congenial to their individual tastes, interference should 

 be avoided, and, generally speaking, the only occasion for its 

 exercise will be in the rare case of an individual applying his 

 garden to a purpose offensive or prejudicial to his neighbours. 



2. If, on the other hand, the object be to raise vegetables for 

 the use of the men, without reference to their recreation, super- 

 intendence will of course be required ; and the more skilled it is, 

 the more profitable and productive will the garden be. 



3. Assuming, however,' that the first is the chief object to be 

 attained, I shall proceed to make a few suggestions bearing on 

 that point. 



4. The extent of the ground, its position, and its capabilities, 

 are the first considerations. 



5. These will often present defects which it is difficult to mo- 

 dify. The ground should, if possible, be sufficiently extensive 

 to meet all requirements, prospective as well as present, and it 

 should be of a good quality, of a light soil, with abundance of good 

 water, and as near the barracks as may be practicable. 



6. The first step should be to lay out good gravel walks, as 

 tastefully as possible. The main walks should be 12 or 18 feet 

 wide, the secondary walks not less than 6 or 8 ; and they should be 

 planned so as to take full advantage of the ground, its prospects, 

 <&c. Convenient arbours should be erected here and there ; trees 

 for shade planted in suitable spots ; and, generally, such im- 

 provements effected as will make the place an agreeable resort to 

 the men and their families. This will not involve any great ex- 

 pense, for the labour of the men will be available, and, either 



