58 GAEDENING FOE WOMEN 



whicli it will be put. Several colleges and schools 

 for lady gardeners have designed special costumes 

 for their students, but although some are becoming 

 to slim, graceful figures, they are by no means 

 suited to all, and are somewhat too conspicuous 

 to be really desirable. 



Waterproof or aqua scutum, — This will be 

 needed for stormy weather and night work ; and 

 the latter is preferable, as it is pleasanter to work 

 in than a mackintosh. 



Hat. — In summer, a shady, thick straw hat 

 looks best. It should not be " floppy," as this is 

 troublesome in windy weather, and it must be 

 plain, not trimmed with chiffon or flowers. A bit 

 of ribbon round it is all that is wanted. Al- 

 though a sun-bonnet is picturesque, it is hot and 

 close, for it keeps ofi the air as well as the sun. 

 The old-fashioned plan of putting a couple of 

 cabbage leaves in the crown of the hat is not 

 to be despised, should the heat be felt very much. 

 For winter, a soft felt hat or cap will be 

 required. 



Boots. — This is the most important item of all, 

 and one, curiously enough, usually neglected by 

 lady gardeners. I often notice that students, when 

 they begin work, wear ready-made and badly- 

 made articles of the thickness only of paper. Boots 

 are better than shoes, but they must be good. 



