GAEDENING FOR WOMEN 71 



way. They have to be studied under a competent 

 master. Flowers have to be picked before the sun 

 has opened them ; they have to be packed with 

 skill, and only certain kinds will travel well. 

 Experience is necessary in order to know the right 

 kind of foliage to send away with flowers. 



So much, indeed, has to be learnt which cannot 

 well be acquired at a college, that I strongly advise 

 apprenticeship for a year or two to a nursery 

 gardener. If it is preferred to study first at a 

 school where surplus flowers and vegetables are 

 sold, a good foundation of knowledge can be laid, 

 which is considerably added to later in a market 

 garden. I would suggest at least fotir years' train- 

 ing for this particular branch of Horticulture. 



An apprentice might w^ell suppose that many 

 secrets of the trade would be revealed to her. But 

 this may prove to be a mistake. Business people 

 are cautious as to what information they impart, 

 and possibly more is to be acquired by keeping 

 eyes and ears well open. Constant and careful 

 inquiries should be made as to the price obtained 

 for various vegetable produce, and the most likely 

 quarters where there is a demand for it in that 

 particular part of the country. 



I am inclined to think, however,* that the 

 most useful business information is to be gained 

 during the first year or two's work in one's own 



