300 



slight neglect in these matters are constantly accu- 

 mulating, at least so long as growth is active. In 

 the management of glass structures, and in all that 

 pertains to the artificial forcing of plants and fruits, 

 the constant necessity for active and rapid thought 

 and action, is well understood by all who have had 

 successful practice in that branch of gardening. 



Economy in the management of a garden is a 

 most essential requirement. This is also closely con- 

 nected with administrative ability, since there is no 

 expense that demands so much study and observa- 

 tion as that of labor, and its proper direction is an 

 acquirement not always reached. No mere routine 

 practitioner can ever become an economical manager. 

 But it is not in labor alone that economy may be 

 practiced. Bearing in mind that science is practice 

 systematized, the more scientific the operator, the 

 more apparent will his economy be seen in every 

 department under his supervision. A good eco- 

 nomical rule is always to do ^rst what is most 

 pressing. 



CleanHness we are told is next to godliness. A 

 clean garden is supposed to be one of freedom from 

 weeds. No gardener, I imagine, ever allows weeds 

 to grow if in his power to prevent them, yet occa- 

 sions may occur when a weedy spot may be left un- 

 touched for more pressing operations. For instance, 

 a few weeds on a walk will not materially injure if 

 more important matters require immediate atten- 

 tion. 



We have seen gardens kept smooth and clean, 

 raked and rolled to excess, while the plants suffered 

 for deep stirring of the soil and thorough culture. 

 So we have seen a housekeeper spend time in cJean- 

 ing up, and treat her guests to a badly cooked 

 dinner. 



In close connection with the subject of cleanliness 

 we may place that of insects. Constant vigilance 

 will no more than enable the gardener to prevent 

 the ravages of these real pests ; but it is well to keep 

 in view that prevention is better as well as cheaper 

 than cure, not only in regard to insects, but also to 

 som.e of the diseases of plants ; and, although com- 

 paratively but little is known as to the origin of 

 many vegetable diseases, yet what little do we know, 

 and such remedies as have proved useful, is know- 

 ledge that should be acted upon as soon as first 

 symptoms become apparent. Mildew for instance, 

 we know can be prevented by sulphur applications, 

 \Ye should therefore use preventory measures on 

 plants that experience has shown to be liable to this 

 malady. If out door plants, by dusting them early 

 and repeatedly ; ^nd in the case of plants under 

 glass when artificial heat is used, by washing the 



heating apparatus with a mixture of lime and sul- 

 phur. ^ 



In summer, when the heating apparatus is not 

 in use, the same effect will be gained by washing 

 underneath the staging of the greenhouse, or any 

 other wood work that can be so covered, with a 

 wash of lime to which has been added two pounds 

 of sulphur to each peck of lime ; this will also pre- 

 vent the red spider from making its appearance, 

 where it is not convenient to do so by mere syring- 

 ing with water. The Aphis can be kept under, as 

 also the thrip by frequent fumigations of tobacco. 

 These are all well known remedies, but not always 

 used previous to the appearance of the objects of 

 their destruction, which is the main reason for here 

 alluding to them. 



I have already remarked that the position of a 

 gardener is in some respects peculiar, and as his 

 efficiency depends very much upon a proper under- 

 standing between him and his employer, I may be 

 permitted to allude to some of the more prominent 

 causes of dissatisfaction which occasionally occur to 

 the injury of both parties. 



One of the most frequent complaints of employ- 

 ers is the overbearing tendency of some gardeners ; 

 this arises, in most instances, from a dislike of being 

 interfered with in their management of the details 

 of their operations. It is certainly very mortifying 

 to a gardener who has made a plan, after careful 

 study, to have it interfered with unnecessarily, 

 merely to gratify what may be a mere whim on the 

 part of his employer, more particularly when he 

 sees plainly that such interference will have an in- 

 jurious effect upon the objects of his charge ; also 

 fully aware that all fliilures, no matter from what 

 causes, will be carefully placed to his account. 

 While I have had cases brought to ray notice where 

 very great injustice has been done the gardener, I 

 have also observed that in the majority of them a 

 slight concession on his part, or a calm and judi- 

 cious explanation of the rationale of his course of 

 action would have amicably settled all differences of 

 opinion. No intelligent employer will desire to work 

 against his own interests, when once they are fairly 

 presented to him, and it is certainly unjust to hold 

 a gardener responsible for results that have been 

 produced from circumstances over which he has not 

 been permitted to have any control. 



As it is well in affairs of this kind, as, indeed, 

 it is in all others, to trace results to their proper 

 sources, I may mention one that exercises much in- 

 fluence with employers ; I allude to the advice gratis 

 gentlemen of whom more or less are to be found in 

 every community. 



