HINTS TO YOUNG GARDENERS ON MENTAL IMPROVEMENT. 
209 
volume, and peruse it simultaneously, appointing certain periods at which they 
can meet, and discuss the merits of the different theses as they proceed. By this 
means, they may confirm or rectify each other's opinions ; and the difficulties 
which one may experience, the other may probably be able to unravel. Subjects on 
which they disagree will thus be canvassed, to their mutual benefit ; and if the 
arguments, pro and con., are committed to writing, distinct ideas will be elicited 
and incorporated, the matter in dispute will be more thoroughly investigated, and 
they will thus be led to practise another species of improvement — composition. 
Literary composition is invaluable to the gardener ; and if it were universally 
practised, and properly pursued, would have an unequivocal tendency to augment 
his abilities, and refine and exalt his whole intellectual character. By this 
practice he is led to examine attentively and critically the productions of others, to 
digest them fully, and what is of much greater value, to think for himself. His 
ideas are expanded and embodied, an impetus is communicated to his mental 
exertions, he matures and appropriates whatever information he can procure, and, 
finally, succeeds in amassing to himself a treasure, which neither wealth could have 
purchased, nor of which penury or time can deprive him. Notwithstanding the 
incalculable benefit to be derived from this pursuit, it is one from which the young- 
gardener almost instinctively shrinks. We think this may be traced either to 
indolence, to the fear of encountering ridicule, or the lack of any distinct knowledge 
how to commence. The former of these are very unworthy influences, requiring 
nothing but a due sense of the vital importance of the undertaking to overcome ; 
for the latter we shall endeavour to suggest a remedy. 
Persons who have been engaged in active manual labour during the day are, 
we know, unable to write with great facility in the evening ; but this is a very 
trifling impediment, compared with the advantage of having the whole day to 
select and ruminate upon a subject. The young gardener's first attempt at com- 
position should be made while reading. He may begin with a work which is 
written in simple language, and is easy of comprehension. A pamphlet will be 
the most suitable, as he can then easily interleave it with writing-paper, which would 
be a decided convenience. As he reads, he should study closely the subject, the 
mode of treating it, and the style ; and on the paper which he has inserted, note 
down any preferable variations, or correct any errors in the language, that may 
suggest themselves, at the same time marking where the subject has been fully 
discussed, and where further elaboration seems necessary, — -in the latter case 
endeavouring to follow out the author's ideas, — and thus proceeding till he has 
carefully revised the whole. It should then be left unnoticed for a few days, when, 
upon reverting to it, some new alterations or additions may appear desirable ; and 
those previously attempted should undergo a rigid examination, for the purpose of 
making other emendations or improvements. 
The process we have detailed may be thought tedious, but it is one which is 
employed upon their own manuscripts by the best authors, previous to publication • 
VOL. VI.- — NO. LXIX. E E 
