LONDON CHILDREN'S GARDENS, 
437 
were a bright, cheerful, respectful, and intelligent lot of boys and girls 
who were very keen in the work of their plots. 
"After having inspected the four separate garden plots we came to 
the conclusion that it would be beneficial to apply a good dressing of 
lime early in the winter season. This should be forked in soon after 
its application. A more liberal dressing of well-rotted manure early in 
the spring would be a decided assistance to the future crops. This has 
reference more particularly to the second and third gardens visited. 
In these two gardens the soil was most unmistakably poor in quality. 
From the results of the crops, where such things as scarlet runners 
had been trained up to the walls, it was not considered expedient to 
continue this practice. 
" The children should have it very carefully and frequently impressed 
upon them that thinning of the crops is most essential, especially in 
such crops as onions, beets, and carrots. If an object lesson upon one 
plot could be given of the result of such thinning we think the children 
would be convinced of its utility and necessity if a good crop is to be 
secured. 
" The inspection satisfied us that a vast amount of good is being 
done in these localities. Healthy exercise is afforded to the children, 
and a knowledge of vegetables and of their cultivation impressed 
upon their minds, which must surely produce good results in later life. 
Mrs. Lyons and those working with her are working on the right lines 
for the future welfare of the children in crowded localities ; and they 
deserve every encouragement in their praiseworthy endeavours to 
ameliorate the conditions of child-life of these congested districts. 
"A word should be said on behalf of the teachers of the several 
schools, upon whom devolves the duty of supervision and instruction. 
They are most enthusiastic in their work, and devoted to the welfare 
of the children under their charge. 
' ' What is most wanted is funds for further development . The plots 
have to be rented ; and high rents, even for such plots, are demanded 
and obtained. The economy in the working, however, is most com- 
mendable. We feel sure that every confidence may be placed in 
those who are associated with Mrs. Lyons in their benevolent 
endeavours. 
" Signed, Arthur W. Sutton. 
James Hudson/' 
