.LONDON CHILDREN'S GARDEN AND RECREATION FUND, cxxxi 



seen. It was noted that the children were bright, clean, and healthy-looking. 

 It was observed that Miss Mercer takes the R.H.S. Gardeners' Diary for a guide. 



(N.B. — The gift of a few young plants suited for rockwork would be a great 

 boon to this garden.) 



Deptford Gardens. — These gardens were approached from the previous one, 

 by means of the tunnel under the Thames, and are near to the large docks. 

 They were the largest gardens we inspected and were quite open. Mrs. Lyons, 

 however, expressed a fear that this large plot might be taken from them for " im- 

 provements " ! It is just on the borders of Greenwich, but within the confines 

 of Deptford, being sheltered on one side by a large block of model dwellings 

 under the Peabody Trust, which completely overlook the gardens on that side, 

 and must be the means of unfailing interest to the tenants. Some 100 children 

 are here taught the elements of gardening in an effective manner. The ground 

 is made the most of by narrow walks between the plots, and at right angles with 

 the main walk. All of these were scrupulously clean, and the crops were quite 

 healthy. The best Carrots seen on this tour were found here — they were excellent. 

 Other good crops were of Beetroot, Lettuce, Scarlet Runner Beans, Onions, 

 Radishes, Turnips, Potatos, Parsnips, Vegetable Marrows, and Artichokes. All 

 of these were healthy and not at all overcrowded. Larger plots, too, were noted 

 of several vegetables. These would have an educational value beyond question. 

 Several beds were bordered with Virginian stocks, others with a scarlet Linum. 

 Auriculas were noted as very thriving ; so also were Ten-week Stocks, which 

 were excellent. Several groups of Bearded Iris were vigorous and healthy. 

 The scholars here are very keen. As an instance of this, one of the girls had 

 just given up going to Southend for the School Treat, in order that she might 

 work on her garden plot. 



Summary. — The hints given when these gardens were first inspected in 

 1 91 6 — and reiterated since — as to the imperative necessity of thinning out 

 vegetable crops, have been well carried out. This fact alone must prove to be 

 of educational value to all concerned. The good that is being accomplished 

 by these gardens must have far-reaching results in the near future. They create 

 and foster a genuine love for the products of the earth in a remarkable degree. 

 The knowledge that is imparted to the children must have most beneficial results 

 throughout their future lives. One never knows where their lot will be cast ; 

 it may be in far-off colonies and dependencies of the British Empire. 



Great credit is due to the teachers who undertake this voluntary work. If 

 their patience is at times tested, they reap a rich reward in the good instruction 

 they are enabled to impart. 



Mrs. Lyons' self-denying labours in this praiseworthy work deserve unstinted 

 thanks and support — a work in which she is greatly interested. She deserves 

 every encouragement that can possibly be afforded, so that further opportunities 

 of extension may be taken advantage of as they arrive. 



W. A. BlLNEY. 



Jas. Hudson. 



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