182 
THE GARDENING WORLD. 
March 4, 1905. 
Letters to the Editor. 
To be, or not to be, Apprenticed to Horticulture. 
To the Editor of The Gardening World. 
Sir,—■“ Heather Bell ” speaks truth when he says that 
some gardeners who have been apprenticed have become a 
lesser boon to horticulture than many who have merely started 
in the profession as “ crock-boys ” and “ pot-washers.” What 
is also true is the fact that many who have served their 
apprenticeship have undergone at that same period a very 
severe test in “ crocking,” “ pot-wasliing,” and the more ob¬ 
jectionable operation of “ flue-cleaning.” 
From these facts arise the questions:—(1) Does not the 
“ odd lad ” in a garden often get work to do which many 
apprentices never have the pleasure of? (2) What work is 
most befitting in the garden, for the apprentice, from which 
he may derive a good knowledge of the craft? 
In answer to the first question, it is all too obvious that 
many apprentices are kept in establishments so that, bearing 
that title, they may—being strong lads—expend much labour 
for the diminutive wage of a few shillings per week. Again, 
in other places, fellows not bearing the name of apprentice 
do the same work—or perhaps better—for a reasonable living 
wage. So, in both knowledge and wealth, tire latter have 
the right end of the spoon in their mouths. The so-called 
apprentice can suck the other end, and derive from it what 
benefit he can. 
Regarding the second question, apprentices who read this 
paper may not quite agree with me here. However, were it 
necessary for me to again go through my apprenticeship, I 
would practice what I preach, if needful. 
By all means give the apprentices their share of the “ dirty ” 
work. Give them plenty! But allow them also to partake 
of the cleaner, and, above everything, always permit them to 
view important work of any kind. Many a time when work 
—such as the renewing of a Yinery border—is being carried 
out. the “ nipper ” is sent away to work by himself. This is 
greatly to be disapproved of. When a young fellow is treated 
thus, how can a high standard of efficiency be expected in 
him? The apprentice himself is often at fault. How does 
he fill in his spare time? In order to gain knowledge—for 
“ knowledge is power ”—he must read. Let him read all 
kinds of good literature, and not always try to dwell on 
gardening alone, thereby becoming bigoted, or probably tired 
of all relating to horticulture. One fellow who for three 
years served in one of the best establishments became a 
journeyman, and spoke of “ nailing up the amaryllis.” He 
meant Morello Cherries. That resulted from his never being 
“ bothered ” reading. As a member of the British Gardeners’ 
Association, I approve of taking into consideration the ne¬ 
cessity of an apprenticeship, but such as is filled in a proper 
system. To ensure the accomplishment of the same, I believe 
in the need of members passing an examination in horticul¬ 
ture, after undergoing their apprenticeship, and prior to 
being admitted into the Association. That was not possible, 
however, at first. In organising such a “ union,” we must to 
some extent trust to the honour and honesty of those joining 
primitively. 
When the Association is in proper working order—which 
time appears to be in the near future—we may hope for 
thoroughly good gardeners getting their positions. 
James P. Dickson. 
To the Editor of The Gardening World. 
Sir,—What is good for the profession as a whole is also good 
for the individual. There is no doubt that much of the chaotic 
conditions which prevail in the world of gardening and which 
the British Gardeners’ Association has been inaugurated to 
counteract is caused by this same apprenticeship question. 
Looked at from every point of view, I think apprenticeship 
the best course. There is a bond obligatory and mutual be¬ 
tween gardener and apprentice which neither can conscien¬ 
tiously evade. It is the first step on the ladder of horticulture, 
and is well worthy of being carefully looked into by the B.G.A 
It is common in places where the useful lad is kept” there bein« 
no contract in such places, for them to avail themselves of the 
first opening, and so step into journeymen’s places after a year 
or a few months’ experience. That may be an advantage to 
the lad, but it is not a fair state of matters, so if for nothin^ 
else than fairness there ought to be a definite term of appren¬ 
ticeship. A lad’s future success all depends on himself, no 
matter if he be apprentice, pot-washer, or garden-boy. The 
place where he first served is of much more import. A certain 
gardener I knew used to ask every new man lie got where he 
had served his time; but at the present time most gardeners 
do not care whether their men have served apprenticeship or 
not, so it is of little advantage having indentures. Serving a 
specific term will never impair a lad’s abilities, and at least 
it will ensure time to gain the ruditnents of his profession. So 
long as there is no definite term to serve, so long will the 
average youth and man fraudulently pass as practical gar¬ 
deners ; hence the superfluous supply of labour, low wages, and 
long hours, etc. Therefore, let us try by all means now to 
bring about a regular system of apprenticeship. This we can 
best do by strengthening the hands of tire British Gardeners’ 
Association. Apprentice. 
To the Editor of The Gardening W t orld. 
Sir,—Regarding “ Heather Bell’s ” article on the above sub¬ 
ject, I would most decidedly say that all young men intending 
following out horticulture as a, vocation should serve an 
apprenticeship. I consider that one of the chief causes of our 
trade being hampered, underpaid, and kept from occupying 
its proper rank alongside other professions, is the great 
number of non-bona-fide gardeners who hold situations 
throughout the country. Undoubtedly, some of them are men 
of great ability, but how many instances do not the most of 
us know of, say, a garden labourer being promoted to the 
post of head gardener. Not infrequently is he given the pre¬ 
ference before a man of wider experience than himself. Often 
is he' engaged at a much smaller salary than a man who had 
served his “ time ” would accept. His experience has gener¬ 
ally been gained in one locality, perhaps in one garden, and 
therefore is decidedly limited. 
The result is, any youth who may have to serve under him 
is taught many of the branches of his calling on altogether 
wrong lines. 
If the good old custom of “ serving your time,” and then 
going afield as journeyman in further pursuit of knowledge 
was more rigidly adhered to, I hold our trade would be greatly 
elevated in many respects. 
There is much truth in “ Heather Bell's ” remarks anent 
lads serving an apprenticeship, but thereby gaining scant 
knowledge. Would those same young men be more diligent 
under any conditions? 
My opinion is that unless a youth enters the trade with a 
whole-hearted desire for proficiency therein he would do much 
better to learn something else. If the head gardener is a 
thorough all-round man he will see that the apprentice makes 
the best use of his time. That he has a turn at all kinds of 
work should be the aim of- every apprentice. The fact of 
having an apprenticeship to complete lias made many a 
youngster persevere when at a distasteful bit of work. What¬ 
ever party, politically, “ G.W.” readers may be adherents of, 
I trust as regarding the “ apprentice question ” they may be 
protectionists. Thereby they will help to prevent further 
“ dumping ” in horticultural circles. James Gilchrist. 
Atholl Hydro' Gardens, Pitlochry, N.B. 
Assistance for Procuring Ruskin Park.— Some time ago we 
announced that several of the London boroughs had sent repre¬ 
sentatives to visit a piece of ground for sale on Denmark Hill. 
Since then the Camberwell Borough Council has voted £10,000 
towards the purchase price of £50,000. From private sources 
£4,000 has also been promised, 
