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These truths cannot be disputed, nor do they 
require much explanation or support. No one 
can deny that gardening is the most rational 
of all enjoyments ; for there is nothing in the 
way of a pursuit that is so free from incon- 
venience or annoyance to others, and yields 
so much true enjoyment ; and it is not the 
least of its recommendations, that, however 
earnest and enthusiastic we maybe, the pleasure 
we derive from it will bear reflection, and that 
we are constantly cheered by the advance of 
all the subjects we cultivate. But gardening, 
with all its advantages, would lose half its 
attractions, were it not for the records we 
possess of what our predecessors and con- 
temporaries have done and arc doing, and the 
facilities with which we can register the re- 
sults of our own handiwork. The books 
afford us entertainment and instruction when 
darkness forbids employment in the garden ; 
and, to those so inclined, there is as much 
pleasure derived from the act of imparting 
their knowledge to others, as there is in read- 
ing anything that is new to themselves. 
There is yet another source of enjoyment to 
the lovers of gardening — we allude to the 
pleasure derived from conversation and discus- 
sion among persons of similar tastes. We read 
of soldiers fighting their battles over again, 
in allusion to their oft-repeated descriptions 
of what they have witnessed ; and the enthu- 
siastic gardener is equally gratified by an 
opportunity of relating what he has done, or 
may be doing himself, and listening to the 
doings of his neighbours and friends engaged in 
the same occupations : no one can deny, then, 
thatgardening exalts the mind. That it invigo- 
rates the frame, is one of those recommenda- 
tions which it has in common with many 
manly exercises ; yet scarcely one of them can 
be indulged in to any extent without more or 
less danger to ourselves or others, whereas 
gardening is perfectly free from this objection, 
and it constantly reminds us of the Creator, 
whose wondrous works are nowhere more ex- 
traordinary than in the magnificent plants, the 
luscious fruits, and the beautiful and fragrant 
flowers, which arc the objects of our peculiar 
care. To teach the cottager to manage his 
garden, is indeed to lead him to happiness, and 
to this great end is our present work devoted. 
To rouse his ambition, and excite his honest 
pride, and withal to direct both to the proper 
channel, is to raise him in the scale of society, 
and show him that industry is the foundation 
of true happiness ; the rest will force itself 
upon his attention; make him but an indus- 
trious cultivator of his garden, and he will be 
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