236  Correspondence,  {^'May.'im™' 
The  growing  of  vegetables  and  flowers  is  not  the  main  object 
sought  in  school-garden  work.  Their  real  value  depends  upon 
their  power  to  arouse  and  confirm  in  the  child  good  traits  of 
character. 
The  methods  pursued  lead  to  an  appreciation  of  the  dignity  of 
labor,  which  in  turn  may  develop  into  an  intelligent  interest  in  the 
work  of  the  field. 
It  has  been  possible  to  secure  young  women  teachers  who  have 
the  qualifications  to  give  instruction  in  the  study  of  plant  life  and 
related  biological  sciences  such  as  are  required  in  a  work  of  this 
kind.  The  course  of  study  is  too  long  to  present  here,  but  it  is 
systematic  and  presented  in  such  a  way  as  to  hold  the  interest  of 
the  children. 
A  visitor  to  the  gardens  wrote :  "  The  result  both  as  to  the  fruits 
gathered  and  the  adornment  of  unsightly  lots  was  very  creditable. 
The  great  value  of  this  work,  however,  is  unseen.  The  child  who 
plants  the  seed,  watches  it  germinate  and  grow  under  his  care,  who 
sees  the  flower  and  then  the  fruit,  has  little  room  for  impure  thoughts 
and  feelings.  The  wonder  and  beauty  of  nature's  laws  are  seen  and 
felt  day  by  day,  stamp  their  impress  on  the  mind  and  heart  of  the 
child  and  bring  him  very  close  to  the  One  who  gives  life  to  all. 
"  There  is  no  life  for  a  child  that  equals  the  country  life.  Its  close 
companionship  with  nature,  its  silent,  unconscious  influences,  give 
a  moral  and  physical  strength  supplied  in  no  other  way. 
"  The  school  garden  gives  the  child  of  the  city  a  glimpse  into  this 
life,  and  who  can  measure  the  value  to  him  of  this  brief  companion- 
ship with  nature  ?  Under  the  wise  direction  of  his  instructor  it 
becomes  to  him  much  more  than  a  glimpse." 
In  conclusion,  it  may  be  stated  that  the  gardens  have  grown  a  few 
plants  of  interest  to  the  pharmacist. 
CORRESPONDENCE. 
OIL  OF  BITTER  ALMONDS. 
Prof.  Henry  Kraemer,  Editor  American  Journal  of  Pharmacy  : 
Dear  Sir. — I  would  be  pleased  if  you  would  insert  the  following 
correction  concerning  my  recent  article  on  "  Oil  of  Bitter  Almonds  " 
in  the  forthcoming  number  of  the  American  Journal  of  Phar- 
macy. 
