158 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



when examination results show that he has far out-distanced those who 

 had splendid opportunities, but have let the grass grow visibly under 

 their feet. I realise, too, that such work not only leads to independence 

 — to ability to hold one's own in fair open competition — but will also, 

 to no small degree, mould the course of our future national life. This 

 aspect of our subject is of such immense importance that I would fain 

 deal with it more extensively. 



I will only add : Let our young gardeners carefully and honestly 

 calculate the number of hours they really have for study, and then 

 properly economise their time. While engaged in their daily work let 

 their whole will and energy be devoted to it. This will give sufficient 

 physical exercise, and will give them considerable knowledge of plants 

 and other facts. These are great advantages which compare favourably 

 with those of otherwise more favoured persons. Let them remember the 

 greater the difficulty overcome, the greater the victory and the better 

 equipped for after-battles of hfe. 



In this connection I would urge our young people to avail them- 

 selves as far as they possibly can of the instruction now being given in 

 the technical institutes. It may involve a journey of several miles once 

 or twice a week during the winter, but it will be worth the exertion, 

 especially if the rest of the available time be spent in private study. Let 

 them not think that gardening classes are all they require. They 

 will find that instruction in chemistry, physics, mechanics, botany, 

 mathematics, freehand and model drawing will be almost as much, 

 if not more, real use to them than superficial gardening classes ; not 

 that these should be neglected if they are fortunately available. If oppor- 

 tunity be found let them study literature and languages. German 

 will, in time, open up to them a new field of study. 



Of course they should endeavour by every means to improve their 

 knowledge of their special subject, to become thorough experts ; but, in 

 addition, they will do well to take as many other allied subjects as possible. 

 If near a large institution they should carefully arrange their studies so 

 that the one leads up to the next. Employers and head gardeners 

 should endeavour to facilitate the efforts of the young thus to improve 

 their education ; although they may not fully realise the immense 

 importance thereof, let them think of the satisfaction which may be 

 theirs if some of these young fellows in after-life come to express their 

 hearty thanks for help received. Let them realise that their duty to 

 their neighbours, their duty as citizens of Britain, demands this at their 

 hands. In return let the youth show that the facilities are duly appreciated, 

 and that education has stimulated the desire to do one's very best at 

 one's duties ; that they are no longer done in a merely perfunctory 

 manner. 



Examination results have been referred to. The value of examina- 

 tions as tests is very frequently adversely commented upon, and with a 

 considerable amount of justification. Admittedly the best students — 

 those having the most satisfactory knowledge and cultural ability — by 

 no means always obtain the top places. Examinations are apparently 

 necessary evils, but generally speaking they stimulate to increased study. 

 Teachers know well that students ask many more questions as the examina- 



