Z}S THE PROFESSION OF A GARDENER. 419 



There are few things to be done in a garden, but 

 which require a dexterity in operation, and a nicety in 

 hitting the proper feafon for doing it. A gardener 

 fhould be a fort of prophet in forefeeing what will 

 happen under certain frircumftances, and wifely cap tious 

 to provide (by the mofi probable means} againft what 

 may happen. 



A man cannot be a good gardener, except he be 

 thoughtful, fleadv, and induftrious."; . pafleffihg a fupe- 

 nor degree of moral excellence, as well as genius and 

 knowledge adapted to his buiinefs. He fhould be 

 modeft in his manners and opinions. It too often hap- 

 pens with thofe who have much "praclical frill, that 

 they flight what is written upon fubje&s of their pro- 

 feflion ; which is a faltidious temper, that the man of 

 real merit will hardly poffefs. 



The knowledge of botany is not necefiary to the 

 bufmefs of a practical gardener, but it might be made 

 nfeftil to him, or at l$aft a matter of amufemem and 

 relaxation, enabling him to be refpectably communica~ 

 tive. Some knowledge in this way he will perhaps 

 not content himfelf without, if he has any thing to do 

 with the green-houfe, and hot-kouje, as many curious 

 plants are admitted there. 



The character of a gardener is here fet high ; but it 

 is the goal of refpectability at which be ought to aim, 

 who prefumes to call himfelf a profejjed one ; and no 

 doubt there are many in noblemen's and gentlemen's 

 fervices, who are thus refpectable in their abilities and 

 conduct. 



It remains for the employer to confider the merits of 

 his gardener, and reward him accordingly. He fhould 

 reflect upon the iraporrance of his garden to himfelf, 

 family, and friends; and how great difference there is 

 between one well, and one /// managed. If the foil 

 and fituation is untoward, or the feafon crofs, (which 

 in England is very apt to try a gardener's fkill and 

 patience) he fhould be ready to make allowance, as 



