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JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
[ February 21, 18 c 4. 
These elements and compounds found in a plant must have been 
supplied to it in its food, and this food is chiefly obtained from the soil in 
which the plant has grown. A soil may, however, contain large supplies 
of every substance which a plant requires, and may still be unable to 
yield them, because it is not in a condition available as food. Nothing is 
of any service as plant food unless it will dissolve in rain water, as a plant 
cannot take up anything in a solid state—it must be in a state of solution. 
Those portions of the soil, therefore, which can be dissolved in rain water 
are known as active, whilst those which will not dissolve in rain water 
are termed inactive. It is the active portion which is of immediate u«e 
to us as plant food, as it is in a state of solution, and is readily taken up 
by plants to nourish and support them. 
The inactive portion, however, is not valueless in our soils, as it is quite 
possible to make it take an active form. It can be done by thorough 
cultivation of the land, for, as we all know, by exposing soil to the action 
of air and frost it is broken into a fine condition, which increases the 
amount of surface. Rain water can then pass through and into the soil, 
which, with its oxygen and carbonic acid together with the atmospheric 
agencies, will perseveringly bring that matter into solution, when it can 
be used as plant food ; so that the inactive matter really preserves plant 
food, which can be called upon by the use of atmospheric agencies, and be 
equivalent to the addition of so much manure. This solution is then 
taken into the circulation of the plant through the small rootlets, which 
are constantly in search of food. A small portion of the organic matter 
is, however, taken in from the atmosphere, but as so much is absorbed 
from the soil we see the importance of adding to our soils plant food, 
which we do in the form of manure, upon which I purpose to speak at a 
future time.— Under Gardener. 
MR. ALEXANDER HONEYMAN. 
In accordance with our intimation of last week we publish a portrait 
of this accomplished gardener and striking and instructive writer, with 
an outline of his life. This we are able to do in the form of an auto¬ 
biography. and under rather singular circumstances. About four years 
ago, and after having recognised his ability as an occasional contributor 
to our columns, Mr. Honeyman was invited to fill a vacancy on the staff 
of this Journal. Desirous that we should know something of his character 
and antecedents he sent the communication which we now publish. 
Under ordinary circumstances the letters of correspondents are not for 
obvious reasons preserved, but this one escaped destruction. At the time 
it was written our correspondent was strong and well with a promising 
future before him, and there was then no thought that his career would 
terminate so soon. The letter will not be the less interesting, inasmuch 
as its publication was not contemplated ; it was simply a private letter, 
spontaneously penned, and, like other long private letters, would only 
be glanced at at the time of its arrival, hence was put aside for after 
perusal. Concisely is the sketch of our friend’s life given. Vividly is his 
character pourtrayed. His life of labour, his thirsting for knowledge, his 
striving efforts at self-improvement, his untiring searching for truth, his 
perseverance, his determination to excel, all are visible. And what a 
lesson such a life is to young men. "We know many of these are worthily 
striving, and glad shall we be if one can be found able to take up his 
“ begun work,” and continue it as he, had he been spared, would have 
continued it himself. In the letter which we now insert will be found the 
secret of his competency—constantly and unremittingly acquiring and 
storing knowledge ; in it will also be found the origin of his once familiar 
and not soon-to-be-forgotten pseudonym “ Single-handed.” 
31st October, 1881. 
Sir, —I promised in my last to acquaint you with some of the main points 
in my history, and I now take the opportunity of putting the same on paper. 
I was born at Ballo-Mill, Lady bank, Fifeshire, in April, 1851. My fore¬ 
fathers had been settled there for a century or two. I am, through my 
mother, descended from Andrew Melville, who gave Scotland Presbyterianism 
—the same man who, in a passion, informed James VI. that he “was 
God’s ain silly vassal.” In my youth—I left school at twelve—I spent two 
years with my uncle at railway-making, and learned some useful lessons, 
which have been of great benefit to me on more than one occasion. It was 
at this time that I acquired a taste for reading, and used to save my pence 
to buy papers. 
At seventeen I went to Ramornie Gardens, the seat of F. L. Maitland- 
Heriot, Esq., lately deceased, to learn to be a gardener. The “ youngest ” 
and at once the oldest ’prentice I was frightened at being so long in going 
to the “ profession,” and did myself some physical injury in my eagerness to 
make up for lost time. All the gardening books I could get—such as 
“ Mackintosh’s Book of the Garden,” Loudon’s “ Encyclopedia,” Nicol’s 
works, and half a dozen volumes of the “ Scottish Gardener,” were intensely 
studied. I became impressed with the idea that no one could be an accom¬ 
plished gardener who was not well up in botany, geology, and chemistry. 
The cheapest way of securing works on these subjects was by buying 
“ Cassell’s Popular Educator.” This I studied so intently that the doctor had 
to be sent for. Mr. Heriot lent me Balfour’s “Elements ” and “ Class Books 
of Botany,” Macgillivray’s “ Manual of Geology,” Hugh Miller’s works, Bence 
Jones and Miller’s “Chemistry,” and Liebig’s “ Agricultural Chemistry,” with 
many others were also read attentively and studied closely while an apprentice. 
Ramornie was then a good old country garden. The collection of hardy 
fruit trees was as complete as nearly could be, and the gardener was one of 
the olden times, who went in for perfection in training, while all other 
branches of gardening were well conducted. The notes I took then I found 
of much value afterwards. When I left, which I did at the end of three 
years, I carried with me very flatteidng testimonials. 
I then went to Delvine Castle, Dunkeld, the seat of Sir Alexander Muir- 
Mackenzie, Bart., at the Martinmas term, and was soon promoted to be inside 
foreman. From thence I went to Kerse House, Falkirk, one of the seats of 
the Earl of Zetland, and served under a first-rate gardener ; but after a year 
was tempted to leave to lay out a new garden on a somewhat extensive 
scale. Only a little was done, however ; in fact, I was “ sold.” Another 
gentleman then advertising for a gardener “accustomed to glass,” I applied, 
was shown plans for a good range of plant and some fruit houses, and 
engaged. The work commenced and good progress made in two years, also 
in taking in ground and planting. “ Calculating ” chances—and they looked 
good—I married ; but just as we were preparing to finish the ranges of glass 
comes the City of Glasgow Bank smash, and everything was stopped. My 
employer always met his calls, but the calamity spoiled the garden. For my 
own credit I woiked often much too hard, sometimes nearly breaking down, 
as I was left practically “ Single-handed.” Only by very hard labour could 
the place be kept well, and anything short of “ well ” is a misery to me. 
We have a small collection of Orchids, which I would be proud to place along¬ 
side of any other their own age in the country ; also a useful collection of 
Ferns and stove and greenhouse plants. I have raised several hybrid 
Cypripediums and Dracaenas, and other plants. Potatoes I have raised in 
hundreds, and have some good seedlings, also superior strains, of different 
vegetables. Hardy Primulas and Auriculas I have sought to improve, and 
for everyday wear and tear commend me to good strains even of florists 7 
flowers from seed instead of from cuttings. Only the hardier fruits thrive 
here, we are so exposed ; but I would like to match the Grapes I grow for 
quantity and quality against the best and the heaviest crop ever seen. 
During all the years I have unwaveringly sought to acquire knowledge, 
and have studied all sorts of books. I have a passion for the study of animal 
and vegetable physiology and organic chemistry, and with poetry^ I am 
entranced and general literature. In six years I have bought fully £45 worth 
of books, mostly gardening, but science generally as well. I possess or have 
read most of Darwin’s works, Burbidge’s, Johnston’s, Church’s, and others 
too numerous to mention. This off 27 s. a week; but I have gained some 
prize money at shows, and Mr. Thomson’s and your own kindness.in placing 
me on your staffs has helped much. A little money gained thus is of much 
assistance to one who is endeavouring hard— 
“ To grasp the skirts of happy chance, 
And battle with his evil star.” 
I have sometimes, when fate has seemed against me, felt cast down, but 
have never once “abated one jot of heart or hope;” but when failing to 
gain “ reinforcement from hope ” have taken “ resolution from despair.” 
Till lately I have not endeavoured to gain another situation, hoping that 
things here would improve. My master is very kind, and we are on the best 
of terms ; but under the present circumstances I think I should not. slave 
hopelessly on, and, though it will be a trial to leave my work behind to 
begin afresh, I have made up my mind to do so. I should very much like to 
try my fortune further south in a better climate. To my calling I am 
devoted, and I ought to be well qualified to fill most situations. In fact, 
though that is “blowing my horn,” the birthright of “every Scotchman 
born,” I think not many have given greater amount of study to their 
profession. 
I do not know whether it will count for much in England, but I am a 
ten-year-old total abstainer, and a life anti-tobacconist. My connection with 
teetotal societies has been of benefit, besides that derived from temperance, 
for I have been trotted out as essayist and lecturer at all sorts of times and 
occasions. In this I hope I have done good, though it does not bear on 
gardening. 
Such are the outlines of my career hitherto—a career only fairly begun I 
hope, as I am but thirty. They are the merest outlines, but more is scarcely 
necessary, as you have some chance of judging details from what I write 
otherwise. Before closing I ought to thank you for the interest you have 
shown in me, and to assure you that while life lasts I shall never fail to feel 
grateful for your kindness ; and should you ever favour me with a visit I 
shall reckon it a great honour.— Alexander Honeyman. 
Shortly after receiving that letter we had the opportunity of visiting 
Mr. Honeyman and inspecting the garden in his charge. The wonderful 
crop of fine Grapes, vigorously grown Orchids, and other plants under 
glass, with the superior condition of the outdoor crops, afforded ample 
evidence of masterly care, and of bard labour also on the part of the cul¬ 
tivator. It was this too-hard work that it is to be feared led to the ill¬ 
ness that followed, and which was expected to terminate fatally at the 
time. The best treatment in the Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, however, 
led to steady improvement, which it was thought and hoped would end 
in complete recovery. As Mr. Honeyman had decided to relinquish his 
charge, he resigned his situation during the early period of his illness, not 
deeming it right under the circumstances to receive wages when ill from 
a kind employer whom he intended leaving when well. He was not 
friendless during the long period of his convalescence, nor was he indul¬ 
gent theD. So much in earnest, and with a burning desire to impart and 
acquire knowledge, he could scarcely take the needed rest. When he 
could not lift the spade he could wield the pen, and we should not be 
surprised to learn that many of his best articles were written on a bed of 
sickness. 
In October last, having regained much of his lost strength, he had a 
choice of situations, and decided to undertake a charge at Brighton, 
where, without having to engage in hard manual labour, scope for the 
exercise of his abilities would have been afforded him both in Grape- 
growing and ornamental gardening, while the recognised salubrity of the 
climate was not overlooked. As has been previously stated, after inspect¬ 
ing the estate that was placed in his keeping and estimating its resources 
he requested to be suspended for a short time, long and exhausting 
journeys having rendered, as he felt, a little rest needful. The sad result 
we know. After many weeks of suffering he died. He had looked for¬ 
ward confidently to success in his charge, and could see a wide field of 
usefulness before him, but eventually, and for some weeks prior to the 
end, resigned himself composedly and even cheerfully to the last sum- 
