52 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



or no expense, and horticultural literature, which is so plentiful 

 and cheap. 



To those who have the privilege or can afford it, I should re- 

 commend a two years' experience at either Kew, Chiswick, or a 

 horticultural school. But, alas! the majority of those who enter 

 the gardening profession have no such golden opportunities ; 

 therefore, in addition to accepting the general privilege above 

 named, make as many visits to horticultural establishments of 

 note as you can afford, and, above all, two hours a day at the very 

 least should be devoted to the study of such subjects as draw- 

 ing, botany, geography, &c. 



In conclusion, I may be pardoned for suggesting that the 

 Council of the Eoyal Horticultural Society consider the question 

 of improving the educational conditions of our young gardeners. 

 It is true that the bona fide gardener can be a Fellow of the 

 Society with all its advantages for a small fee, but I am afraid 

 this is not sufficiently well known ; therefore it might be an 

 advantage to have this information placed on a fly-sheet and 

 posted to every known gardener in the United Kingdom. 



Then, again, as to the Society's examinations, I have found 

 many young gardeners who would like to go in for a certificate 

 or scholarship, but having had no coaching and never having sat 

 at an examination they felt afraid. 



If the Council could make arrangements for Fellows of the 

 Society to give preparatory lessons and conduct examinations in 

 every town and parliamentary division in the country, I feel 

 convinced that not only the examinations would be better appre- 

 ciated, but the success of the Eoyal Horticultural Society would 

 be assured. By such an arrangement the examinations could be 

 made more practical, which would greatly enhance their value, 

 and book knowledge alone would not be sufficient to obtain the 

 Society's certificate. 



It is pleasing to note a deputation from the Council visiting 

 provincial shows and making awards according to the merits of 

 the produce shown. 



