524 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
[ December 15, 1892. 
if a change would seem beneficial, follow up another in a similar 
manner for a corresponding period. 
The best methods of acquiring correct orthography are to study 
the rules of spelling, adopt careful reading and writing, never being 
satisfied that a word is spelt right unless absolutely sure. This can 
be done by consulting a dictionary, carefully correcting all errors. 
By following up these methods improvements will soon be effected, 
and after a time the student will be able to see almost at a glance 
when a mis-spelt word occurs. 
Grammar is to composition what spelling is to words. It 
determines the place of words in sentences, so that the sense 
conveyed may be expressed clearly. Become thoroughly acquainted 
with all the parts of speech, which will form the best of all 
foundations for clear expression. Further progress in this subject, 
as it can be carried on, will be found to be beneficial. The aim should 
be to obtain as much knowledge as is compatible with proceeding 
steadily on with other important and necessary subjects as well. 
Botany, being a subject of such paramount importance, it is 
necessary that a large proportion of attention be given to it, 
selecting the most useful and practical parts of the subject for the 
earliest study. This will consist chiefly of morphological botany, 
or description and study of the organs of plants. Study first the 
general character of plants, choosing one of the two great divisions 
into which plants are divided—namely, flowering plants ; the other 
division, which may also be studied, but later on, being that of the 
non-flowering section Follow this by learning all about the 
tissues of plants, their nature and growth ; the food of plants ; 
the early development from seed ; the growth of roots, stems, and 
leaves. Particular attention must be paid to grasping all that can 
be learned about the foliage of plants, as knowledge upon that 
point is needed in horticulture in order to avoid some of the 
most prominent cultural mistakes. Leaves are the lungs of plants, 
and when the distinctively important part they play in the life 
history of all plants is fully conveyed to the mind, a great lesson 
in horticulture is embodied in the teaching, which never fails to 
impress itself upon the whole knowledge previously or afterwards 
gained. Next comes the flower and its parts, a most absorbing 
study ; the manner of inflorescence, or the general character of 
flowering as displayed by a variety of plants, as well as the great 
range of form in which the fruit and seed are produced. The 
classification of plants, their division into families, genera, species, 
and varieties, together with their proper names, constitute the 
nature of the information it is desirable to impress on the mind. 
The best aud most interesting method to pursue to gain this 
knowledge is for several students to amalgamate together in a class, 
which ought to be led by a qualified instructor. Where a class is 
out of the question, perhaps a few kindred spirits might be 
brought together for mutual help. Two or three earnest, intelli¬ 
gent students could thus encourage and stimulate one another, 
discuss knotty points, bringing their combined insight to bear on 
one problem and thu3 fathom the mystery. Combination of 
effort is at all times desirable, but in many cases not always possible; 
therefore the solitary student unable to command the help of 
another must perforce pursue the study alone. Even in this case 
effort and perseverance will command success, and where the help 
of companions fail that of books may take their place, and an 
unfailing help, too, they will prove to be if constantly studied. 
Probably no better methods of pursuing the study of botany, 
geology, geometry, chemistry, or other science can be indicated 
than recommending the systematic study regularly of some of the 
standard volumes on the subjects, taking first an elementary 
•course of lessons, then following with the advanced. It is always 
better to study in company with another if possible, and better 
•still in an organised class. A similar course conjoined with as 
much practice as possible is recommended in pursuing the subjects 
•relating more particularly to practical gardening. Endeavour to 
ascertain the reason of each separate step, considering nothing too 
simple or unworthy of critical analysis, because it is only by 
thoroughly understanding each step that progress is made firmly, 
and the more difficult advanced lessons rendered easier of 
comprehension. 
Study carefully, regularly, and diligently current horticultural 
literature, and endeavour in every particular to keep abreast of the 
times. Theoretical knowledge is valuable, but comparatively useless 
unless accompanied in many cases by practice. Every student in 
horticulture ought, therefore, to seek early in life employment in 
practical gardening, and embrace every opportunity of comparing 
the knowledge gained in actual experience with that acquired by 
study. Then the one will help the other. No young man ought 
to be above taking an humble position in any department of 
practical work if by so doing he ean increase his knowledge an! 
skill. . Endeavour to secure experience in widely different 
localities. With youth, freedom, and good health on his side an 
ambitious young man who aspires to a wide knowledge of his 
profession cannot do better than seek several changes during his 
probationary period, but they should be sought with only one end 
in view—improvement. 
Keeping a diary, or making notes of all important work, is one 
method of not only gaining knowledge but of storing it up for 
future use ; besides, the practice is beneficial in more ways than 
these. Render the record interesting by describing the methods of 
any valuable practice that has been done or seen done. It is 
possible in many districts to have the privilege of becoming a 
member of an horticultural society which meets periodically for 
the purpose of mutual improvement of the members. Much 
information may be gained in this Avay. Listening to papers or 
essays, sometimes popular scientific discourses, and taking part in 
discussions, is an interesting way of receiving and imparting know¬ 
ledge. Nearly all societies are well supported by intelligent 
amateurs, from whom many improving and valuable hints are often 
derived. Modern improvements in diffusing information have 
given the means of obtaining valuable horticultural knowledge on 
practical subjects by the establishment of illustrated lectures, which 
convey in a clear and popular manner a great amount of informa¬ 
tion. Where such lectures are given every gardener and student 
in horticulture should make it a point of attending. 
Reading, apart from close study of a subject, is essentially 
helpful by preparing the mind for the reception of some of the 
chief facts and principles. Reading is the means of embracing a 
subject temporarily, passing in review the leading points which call 
for closer study. By endeavouring to do this systematically and 
steadily much benefit may be gained, even from one perusal of a 
book ; but by following on a second or a third time still further 
satisfactory results can be attained. 
Observation is capable of throwing much light on whatever is 
studied or read about. Without the practice of closely observing 
little progress can be expected to be made. Science has been built 
up by persistent observation, in which the causes of things have 
been traced. By education this power of tracing cause and effect 
is strengthened. A skilful gardener who thoroughly understands 
the process of watering plants, in pots especially, has gained his 
power of doing so by accurate observation. He can, as it were, 
see through a ball of soil and judge its condition correctly through 
the knowledge gained from prior observations. It is much the 
same with many other processes, though some, of course, require 
manipulative skill from frequent practice.—E. D. Smith. 
(To be continued.} 
FUNCTIONS OF VINE LEAVES. 
The discussion of this subject in the Journal of Horticulture has 
certainly been an int( resting one, and, I hope, instructive. Both 
sides have defended their systems of culture very well, and I do 
not doubt that both methods would result satisfactorily. Some 
years ago I advocated a free, even a bountiful, growth of foliage, 
and, if I am not mistaken, Mr. Iggulden then took the opposite 
view, and said that I was extracting material from the border to 
build up wood that would only be out away and burnt. That is 
true to a very large extent ; but looking at the matter from an 
all-round point of view, it cannot be considered waste, because, if 
we attain the object we have in view by an extension of foliage, 
we can soon replenish the plant food that has been extracted from 
the border. I could point, if I wished, to splendid examples of 
Grapes that were grown for many years by allowing the Vines to 
make a luxuriant growth of foliage, almost resembling a thicket. 
I have modified my opinion very much in this respect, and 
think that common sense is needed more in this matter than 
adhering to any hard and fast rule. A liberal growth of foliage is 
the salvation of a house of Vines which have been partially or 
wholly lifted. It also has a re-invigorating effect on Vines that 
have been overcropped, or have sluggish root-action. Enfeebled 
Vines would much more rapidly be restored to a healthy condition 
by a free growth of foliage than could possibly be done by any 
system of close stopping. 
We do not, as a rule, take bunches from every lateral on the 
Vine, and if I understand Mr. Iggulden rightly he does not pinch 
those from which he takes no bunches so closely. These are alone 
ample on healthy established Vines to furnish the roof space with 
foliage fully exposed to the light and to maintain the roots in 
activity. I am also inclined to believe that this amount of leaf 
development is ample to keep healthy Vines in a satisfactory 
condition, provided the foliage is kept clean and the Vines 
judiciously fed and cropped. 
I think it immaterial whether the laterals are stopped at the 
bunch or one or two joints beyond. I am never very particular 
about this matter. If the bunch shows close to the mam stem I 
often allow two or three leaves to run, if produced a good distance 
