2 GARDENING FOR WOMEN 



men should be ; but social conditions wliich pro- 

 duce a preponderance of the female population 

 and make it impossible for some women, how- 

 ever much they may desire it, to be married, are 

 inconvenient and disturbing to the views of most 

 men. 



" The existence of v/omen who, whether they 

 like it or not, are bound to work for their liveli- 

 hood, is, as a rule, only unwillingly recognised as 

 an exception ; the existence of women who claim 

 to have a life of their own is still more upsetting 

 to all ideas of a well-constituted universe." 



A somewhat mistaken idea is sometimes held 

 that women who are obliged to follow a definite 

 career are less likely to marry than their sisters 

 who remain at home in quiet surroundings. It is 

 often found, however, that of the daughters, say, 

 of a country clergyman living in some remote corner 

 of England, it is those out in the world as secre- 

 taries, companions, or gardeners who do marry. 

 Not only has a wider sphere of life brought them 

 friends, but their knowledge of the world has 

 taught them how to keep them. They have larger 

 interests, broader views, and are therefore hap- 

 pier than their sisters, who remain at home in 

 village surroundings. They should, too, be better 

 helpmates to men leading active lives. If they 

 are sensible, wise, good women, they should not 



