October 13, 1894. 
THE GARDENING WORLD 
107 
were grown. A walk through the houses at that 
time would have revealed a number more or less of 
large sized specimen plants that had been grown and 
tended for years, and were so highly prized that they 
were considered almost as much a part of the estate 
as the Oaks and Cedars in the park. That such 
plants were samples of good culture I admit, but try 
and realise the amount of time, patience and skill 
expended on say an Azalea Due de Nassau, Erica 
Cavendishii, or the many new Holland plants, stove 
plants, and climbers that then mostly adorned the 
stages of the greenhouses, etc. An affection for the 
old acquaintances sprang up, until the older they 
became the more tenderly they were watched, and 
as their end drew near, and partings occasionally 
look place, the memory of their excellences remained 
and their beauties extolled for a long time afterwards. 
Perhaps, under the conditions that pertain at the 
present, this feeling of reverence and affection has 
passed, or has but few opportunities of expressing itself. 
The demands of the mansion are such that decorative 
plants must be grown by hundreds, and the variety 
required will cause the gardener and his men to have 
thousands passing through their hands in the season, 
that at the time to which I refer, would have been 
represented by just a dozen or two. 
This large number of quick-growing plants necessi¬ 
tates a daily care and oversight, both in the matter 
of sowing and rooting, as well also as growth and 
development when each is established in small pots, 
The Ferns, Crotons, Palms, Dracaenas, Cyclamens. 
Primulas, Cinerarias, Begonias, Gloxinias, Grasses, 
Moss, etc., will require constant attention, that they 
may be fit for the decorator, yet withal, that the pots 
may not be too large for the spaces set apart for 
them; and then beside these there is a large number 
that must be grown for cut flower purposes. See the 
large numbers of Carnations that are now culti¬ 
vated. Time was, when these were grown by a few, 
and it must be said they were well grown for exhibi¬ 
tion purposes or border display ; but now, tens of 
thousands are cultivated for cut blooms only, and it 
must be admitted that there is still a large demand 
for choice blooms of this glorious florist's flower. 
I had written thus far, when picking up the G. C. 
for September 22nd. I find this extract from the 
American Florist. You may have read it, but I am 
disposed again to quote it. After alluding to various 
matters connected with the trade, such as uniformity 
in the size and shapes of flower pots, special post 
rates on seeds and plants, reduced charges on plant 
shipments, reform in plant nomenclature, etc., it 
goes on to say " not merely this, but the wonderful 
advance in purely floricultural matters should be 
noted; the increase in florists’ varieties the improve¬ 
ment of old sorts, the introduction of many new ones. 
How vastly have the numbers of Roses and Carnations 
increased during the last decade, and as regards the 
latter, progress has not been confined to the produc¬ 
tion of better flowers. The improvement in methods op 
estivation has been fully equal to the improvement in the 
qualities of the varieties.” 
Whilst I am treating of this class of plants, that is 
decorative plants, I must give a word or two to the 
wondrous development that has taken place in the 
matter of goods grown for market. Though I have 
not felt it necessary to classify the men who come 
under the term of present day gardeners, I cannot 
help calling your attention to the large emporiums 
now in the hands of the market growers. Doubt¬ 
less they received a mighty impetus some thirty 
years ago in finding the public taste was such that 
even those who did not possess a garden were 
desirous of embellishing their rooms with plants and 
flowers, and were eager to obtain them wherever 
exposed for sale. So these establishments have gone 
on increasing until the plants, fruit, and flowers sent 
to the markets have now reached a figure and weight 
that would appear almost incredible. No doubt this 
supply has re-acted on those possessing gardens, and 
increasing quantities are required by those having 
glass erections ; whilst, at times, when the demand 
is excessively severe, the private grower is glad to 
replenish his store through the agency of the 
universal provider. 
Once again I would refer to the cultivation of the 
Chrysanthemum. 
I can remember some thirty-five years ago 
visiting one of the leading shows in North London 
(I refer to that of the Stoke Newington Chrysanthe¬ 
mum Society). Beautiful, no doubt, the display was 
considered, and the winner of the first prize for 
twelve incurved or six Anemone blooms was 
esteemed a hero. Competition, I grant, was not 
keen as we understand the matter ; yet the grower 
who two seasons running took first prize in these 
classes was considered famous, but what were the 
blooms shown in those days compared with the 
flowers of the present time ? That such societies 
deserve honour for being to the fore in regard to 
autumn exhibitions is true, but a display such as 
was held in this city last year, and which we hope to 
see repeated in a few weeks from now, is as far in 
advance in every respect as it is possible to imagine. 
I do not mention the Japanese section for compari¬ 
son, as at that time there were none grown, so could 
not be exhibited. When the first blooms of this 
section appeared they were semi-double, ragged 
looking flowers that would not be tolerated to-day on 
an exhibition board. Still, these were the originals 
whence through [the hands of the skilful hybridist 
and grower have come to us the magnificent blooms 
as we now know them. This branch of labour has 
made such heavy demands upon the time, skill, and 
thought, of the operator of to-day, that in regard to 
those of the past their share might be represented as 
by a single unit. 
I would not confine my remarks entirely to the 
labour of the gardener under glass erections. There 
is another phase of the subject which I think may 
detain us for a moment or two; inasmuch as it 
appears to me we do not universally attain the point 
of excellence many of those reached who have gone 
on before. I now refer to the culture, training, and 
management of wall fruit trees. I know glass houses 
in this matter have altered some of the conditions, 
and to ensure a more regular crop, many sorts are 
thus grown that formerly were managed on the 
walls. The change in some respects has no doubt 
been satisfactory, still we cannot but regret that 
many Peaches and Nectarines, Plums and Pears, 
are not quite so well managed as was the case when 
the whole of the supply was gathered from the open. 
By all means have glass erections adapted to the 
culture of fruit, and grow as much as possible in 
them, for it is a matter of certainty that better fruit 
is obtained early in the season grown thus than could 
be obtained outside. At the same time do not over¬ 
look the possibilities of a given amount of space on 
the walls, and there grow Pears and Plums, as their 
flavour when thus grown can seldom be equalled under 
glass. The careful pruning and training of trees 
such as these is an art that requires considerable 
time to thoroughly acquire, but when once obtained, 
and exercised on healthy and free-bearing trees, 
gives evidence of judgment and skill such as few 
other branches of the profession can give. 
Again, the numerous exhibitions now held through¬ 
out the country give gardeners opportunities of 
placing on the show tables such evidences of their 
skill that the public can behold ard appreciate ; whilst 
gratification is given to liberal employers, and benefit 
accrues to the gardener when successful in winning 
prizes. Here I make a remark that for some time 
has seemed to me at least worthy of a little considera¬ 
tion. Many gardeners are encouraged to exhibit 
their productions, and their names areconstantlj be¬ 
fore the public as the most successful growers of the 
particular classes of plants they place upon the 
stage. I am willing they should have honour and 
praise, and heartily join with them in the gladness of 
their successes, but are there not many quiet, diligent, 
painstaking practitioners whose success is just as 
great, and bring about results in their measure just 
as important, though perhaps in a less imposing 
manner ? These in many instances are unable to ex¬ 
hibit, it being considered inconvenient or undesirable 
that they should stage their specimens, and so, 
though good men in every respect, their success is 
unknown, and their labours outside their own sphere 
unappreciated. I consider it only fair and reasonable 
that at certain irregular seasons such places should 
come under the survey of some duly qualified 
reporter, who should testify to true worth and skill, 
and bring into notice such results as otherwise 
would remain hidden. Now permit me to say that 
though in some feeble manner, I have attempted to 
describe the work, and the difference that now pre¬ 
vails to those of a former period, till the adage 
holds true, and as assured to-day as ever, “ By 
their fruits ye shall know them,” and so that which 
.concerns each of us the most is how to secure the best 
results in those matters in which we are the more 
immediately interested. 
That a gardener needs a sound body you will all 
allow ; he should also possess a quick eye, observant 
mind, calm judgment, diligent application, a 
sanguine temperament, and a disposition not easily 
ruffled by misfortune or apparent failure. He also 
should have an open willingness to accept, and 
cheerful anxiety to apply any fresh method of proved 
value, for though in many matters he may be con¬ 
sidered most conservative, he should be just as ready 
to acknowledge he is one of the most advanced of 
all skilled workers. I am aware that many years 
must elapse ere a youth can pass through all the 
training and sometimes drudgery of an apprentice, 
journeyman, and foreman, ere he fortunately secures 
an appointment as head gardener. Veryoften when 
that goal is attained and he is placed in a position of 
trust and responsibility, it is then he is reminded 
how much there is still for him to learn. To all 
young men then I would say ;—" Be diligent, learn 
all you possibly can, that in any way may bear upon 
the profession. Do not be satisfied with light or 
simply theoretical attainments, but determine also to 
acquire a full practical knowledge of all the phases 
of each section of the profession.” Even when a 
good general idea is mastered there will doubtless be 
some section in which you take keenest delight, and 
linger longer over the details of this than of some 
others. To such I say, learn that branch thoroughly, 
and endeavour to become an expert in it; but at the 
same time do not do so at the expense of the other 
branches. 
Of landscape gardening I say nothing. This work 
lays so often quite outside the ordinary labours of 
an average gardener that little opportunities are 
available for securing a thorough mastery of all the 
details incidental to it; and even if it were not so, 
landscape gardeners are not thus made. Like the 
poets they are born to it. They develop the 
faculty, or, as Maccabe use to say, they grow the 
bump and it bubbles out of them, However, on the 
evening of 12th December this matter will be laid 
before you by one well known to you all. 
Of the conditions of service and relations of 
employers and employed I have only to say each 
engagement is an individual undertaking, and a third 
party is seldom consulted as to the details ; therefore 
it behoves all, either on the one side or the other to 
act in an [upright, honourable manner, seeking the 
good of each and the advancement of the profession. 
For similar reasons I consider guilds, societies, and 
unions undesirable—in fact, unnecessary. The 
requirements of each vary so considerably that 
uniformity of service, hours, and remuneration are 
quite outside the present range of practical applica¬ 
tion. 
And now, in conclusion, I would ask. What is 
Gardening ? 
Bacon says :—" Gardening is the purest of human 
pleasures, and the greatest refreshment to the spirit 
of man.” 
Shakespeare says :—" This is an art which does 
mend Nature; change it rather; but the art itself is 
Nature.” 
Now I find no fault with these quotations ; but if 
that were all we understand by the term, well, then, 
there were little need of study, patience, persever¬ 
ance, diligence, and enthusiasm. It seems to me an 
answer to this query would rather be :—“ Gardening 
is the intelligent application of correct methods of 
culture, founded on practice, observation, and 
science to all vegetable life, modified of course by 
the means at our command and the environment of 
the subject, that the inherent qualities of each may 
be developed in due course to their utmost capacity.” 
That our methods may vary, and in some instances 
appear almost in antagonism to those of previous 
years is very possible; that the surroundings and 
local influences in one place may call for different 
treatment to that given in another is just as true, 
and an intelligent observer will speedily notice the 
needs and apply his methods accordingly, ever bear¬ 
ing in mind that his aim is to assist Nature, to 
develop faculties already existing, in fact to bring 
to maturity in the fullest possible manner the best of 
which each is capable. 
Of soils, manures, temperatures, shading, water¬ 
ing, etc., for subjects indoors, or methods to be 
pursued in regard to those outside, I say little. 
Each deserves a separate paper and an evening’s 
consideration ; but, in closing my remarks, permit me 
to say that, trying as a gardener’s occupation is, in 
many respects, there is also much that is of a most 
