CHAPTER XV. Continental Schools and Colleges

CONTINENTAL SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

BELGIUM

I am told upon good authority that although up to the present moment no schools of horticulture have been founded for ladies, the Government is contemplating the institution of one. In 1907 six young ladies joined the classes of the Government School of Horticulture at Ghent. At the Vilvorde Government School of Horticulture three young women (foreigners) followed the school training, and one of them received a diploma. Quite recently a horticultural section has been opened in the Pensionnat d’Hiverlé, and three young ladies have joined it. Belgium possesses many écoles ménagères agricoles for women, but these are more for agricultural or farming supervision.

At the Horticultural Congress held in 1907 at St. Crond (in the province of Lunbourg), M. de Vuyst read an interesting paper in favour of gardening instruction for ladies.

Mademoiselle Rossignon in her admirable private school for girls at 86, Rue Gachard, Avenue Louise, Brussels, has organised classes where gardening is taught. Here, each girl has the management of a plot of ground, and elementary landscape gardening from simple designs is shown. Besides being taught the use to which land can be put for the cultivation of vegetables, fruit and flowers, students can learn preserving and cooking fruits and vegetables.

DENMARK

I have received the following report from the National Council of Women of Denmark, Copenhagen. There are in Denmark no horticultural colleges for women only. But the colleges and schools admit women, and usually on the same conditions as men.

I.--DEN KONGELIGE VETERINOR AND LAND BOHOJSKOLE

(The Royal Veterinary and Agricultural College),

COPENHAGEN

(Public State Institution), has also a division for horticulture. The training is chiefly theoretical, and does not include practical gardening, which must be learned elsewhere. The course lasts for two years (of two terms each), and leads up to a state examination; the candidate who successfully passes this has the title of “havebrugskandidat.”

Certain entrance qualifications are required. The entrance fee is 10 kr., the fee per term (two terms a year), about 50 kr.; the examination fees, Part I., 15 kr.; Part II., 25 kr. Scholarships may be obtained. The college is not residential, and the students are not subject to any rules out of school hours. Women are admitted on exactly the same terms as men, but very few have hitherto graduated--only one before 1894, and six after that time.

One krone = 1s. 1½d.

The instruction is partly oral, partly in writing, partly work in the laboratories. Botanical excursions are held nearly every week in the spring and autumn. Practical training in surveying and levelling is given in July of the first year’s course.

SYLLABUS: LECTURES, CLASSES, PRACTICAL WORK, AND DEMONSTRATION

First Year’s Course

Lessons per week. First term. Second term. Mechanical physics and optics 3 2 Chemical physics 2 2 Meteorology 2 1 Chemistry 4 4 Geology and knowledge of soils 4 4 Botany 4 4 General horticulture 2 2 Laying out of gardens and cultivation of ornamental plants 2 1 Horticultural zoology 1 1 Practical chemistry 9 9 Surveying (Oct. 1st to May 15th) 4 2 Drawing 6 6

Second Year’s Course

General horticulture 3 2 Cultivation of vegetables 2 2 Orchard and nursery gardening 5 2 Laying out of gardens and cultivation of ornamental plants 2 3 Forcing of useful plants 2 3 Horticultural botany 4 4 Pathology of plants 2 2 Horticultural zoology 1 Agricultural chemistry 1 6 Comparing of garden plans 6 6 Practical horticulture 2 2

THE EXAMINATIONS COMPRISE:--

Part I. (after the first year’s course)

Physics and meteorology, oral; chemistry, oral, practical and written; knowledge of soils, oral; botany, oral; surveying and levelling, practical drawing.

Part II. (after the second year’s course)

(No one is admitted to Part II. who has not passed satisfactorily in Part I.)

General horticulture, oral and written; cultivation of vegetables, oral and written; orchard and nursery gardening, oral and written; laying out of gardens, etc., oral and written; forcing of useful plants, oral; horticultural botany, oral; pathology of plants, oral; horticultural zoology, oral; agricultural chemistry, practical and written; composing of garden plans.

II.--HAVEBRUGSHOJSKOLEN “VILVORDE” PR. CHARLOTTENLUND, NEAR COPENHAGEN

This is a residential school for gardeners, both men and women. A full course is of two or two-and-a-half years, comprising both practical and theoretical training. The preferable age for students is from eighteen to twenty. To be admitted the student must have been occupied with gardening for two years. If there is room students without this qualification may be admitted, but these must stay three years at the school.

In the summer theory is studied from 6 till 10 a.m., practical work, 10.30 a.m. till 5.30 p.m.; in the winter, theory is from 2 till 6 p.m., practical work, 7.30 a.m. till 1 p.m.

The examinations are controlled by the Education Department. They are both theoretical and practical.

Eight women have been trained during the three years since this examination was instituted. The school itself is more than twenty-five years old.

The fees for board, lodging, and instruction are on an average 35 kroner per month for the first year, and 32 kroner per month for the second year.

III.--THE ROYAL GARDENS AT ROSENBORG CASTLE, COPENHAGEN

Both men and women pupils are received, for a two years’ course. The training is chiefly practical. Theoretical instruction is given during winter in two lessons of two hours each a week in the mornings, and three lessons of two hour each in the afternoons. In summer there are some lessons in botany. During their training men get 10 kr. a month the first year, 24 kr. the second. Women get nothing the first year, 10 kr. a month the second, but then they have not exactly the same work.

A practical examination can be entered for after five years’ practical gardening: sometimes old students come back after some years to go in for this examination. Not many women have been trained at Rosenborg, and only one has had an appointment there--for a short time after her training.

* * * * *

Several estates and market gardens take women as pupils, but the training is only practical. Very few women earn an independent living as gardeners; market gardening is usually considered rather hard work for women, and, besides, requires capital, and no woman has hitherto obtained a superior situation in any of the larger gardens, public or private. When they obtain a post they are usually paid less than the men for the same work.

Upon the whole, gardening in Denmark does not seem at present to be a very recommendable career for women who have to earn their living by it. On the other hand, many women now study it for use in their own homes. Thus there are State-aided courses for cottagers’ wives and daughters both at Kjarhave and at a few other schools. Teachers go through a course of gardening in order to be able to teach in the school gardens.

GERMANY

I am permitted to publish the following extracts, and they have been kindly put into English for me by a friend. They give an interesting description of the commencement of a school which is now one of the most famous in Germany. I am told, upon good authority, that posts for lady gardeners are easily obtained; in fact, that the demand is greater than the supply. The salaries vary from 400 marks to 2,000 marks and free living. The posts are chiefly in private gardens, sanatoria, and house-keeping schools.

DR. ELVIRA CASTNER’S SCHOOL OF POMOLOGY AND HORTICULTURE, MARIENFELDE

By MARIE C. VORWERK

In 1877 a German lady-student was living in the American seaport of Baltimore. She loved in her leisure hours to seek the harbour and watch the ships come and go. One day in autumn she saw with astonishment, from a train of perhaps fifteen to twenty coaches, an immense quantity of small square boxes unloaded and brought to a ship. On inquiry as to their contents, where they came from, and whither bound, she was told they were apples from California, destined for Germany, and that this fruit was sent every year in increasing numbers to Germany and other European countries.

Why should Germany import foreign fruit? Has she not in all her provinces tracts of land with conditions and climate suitable for fruit and vegetable growing, and why should not German women earn a livelihood by horticulture? From these questions, which the student asked herself in the harbour of Baltimore, has arisen the Horticultural School of Marienfelde. In the meantime the lady was naturally inclined to continue her chosen career of dentistry, to finish her studies, and begin to earn her living. But the idea would not rest! Whoever comes to Marienfelde to-day and sees there the stately building in its large garden, or has met a lady-gardener, trained at Marienfelde, in her thoroughly satisfying calling, must acknowledge what splendid results have sprung from this idea of the German student in the distant American commercial town.

A bee-hive with the inscription, “No reward without diligence,” is carved over one of the entrance-doors of the school; a suitable escutcheon as warning and incentive to the entering students, and not less as a reminder of the origin of the school and the busy life of its foundress.

Elvira Castner was a chemist’s daughter, born in 1844 in a small town of western Prussia, and was a very lively, clever child. That she might not have to go from home for her education, her parents sent her to a boys’ school, kept by a very scholarly pastor; there she eagerly studied every subject up till then reserved for boys. After two years at a seminary in Posen, she passed her teacher’s examination. She liked her calling as teacher, but owing to throat trouble had to give up this profession. She went to Berlin for five years, and her health being re-established, her long-restrained love for medicine woke to new life. Liberal Berlin granted her what had been unattainable in the provinces.

She returned from Baltimore in 1878, with her degree as dental-surgeon, set up as a dentist in Berlin, and soon gained an extensive practice. Her mother and sisters came to reside with her, and one of her sisters, after taking her dental degree in America, became her assistant. Having attained her object, there came a time of comparative rest, in which the idea of German Horticulture stepped again into the foreground. Leisure hours were utilised for botanical study, holiday tours to visit various horticultural schools, pomological institutions and model-gardens in Reutlingen, Stuttgart, Switzerland, etc.

In the year 1889 an opportunity occurred to purchase in the neighbourhood of Berlin a small piece of ground where her acquired theoretical knowledge might be put into practice. Dr. Elvira Castner, with her family, occupied part of the double house built on the ground, while the remainder was let. A market garden was laid out--the rougher work being done by the porter’s wife. The sisters took charge of the remainder, aided by the counsel of their mother, an experienced farmer.

The first practical trial of a School of Horticulture for women was made at this time by the wife of the Counsellor of Commerce for Charlottenburg. Dr. Elvira Castner thought herself fortunate to see her idea so soon realised, and gave the school her warmest interest. As vice-president of the Berlin society for the benefit of women, she had opportunity to know it well. The society protected the school, and appointed a commission for the promotion of pomology and horticulture, of which Miss Castner was chairman. Accompanied by this committee she visited the Charlottenburger school, and came back quite disillusioned. That school of horticulture was not to her mind; the tending of flowers was undertaken, but without any solid instruction, and fruit and vegetable cultivation were never mentioned.

At the first sitting of the commission, she gave her ideas on the subject of a School for Horticulture, and was requested to embody them in a report, so as to reach a larger public. In complying with this desire she answered clearly and convincingly the three questions:

1. Should more be done in our Fatherland for pomology and horticulture?

2. Is it possible for women to follow a gardener’s calling, and to earn a living by it?

3. How would an educated woman, after sufficient training, find opportunity to practise this calling?

The report was published in several papers, and Dr. Castner received letters from all parts, asking where the school of horticulture was to be found, carried out on these principles. A determined little lady, Frau Rackau, from Jena, came to Berlin to present herself at this school. It seemed the propitious moment to start the school; friends thronged round, circumstances were favourable. An attempt by the formation of a company to interest a larger public failed miserably, and courageous Dr. Castner, inspired by the need of giving to German women the new calling of practical gardening, opened on the 1st October, 1894, the first German female School of Horticulture, with seven scholars. The other part of the Friedenauer house happened to be free; it was turned into living-and classrooms for the future scholars. The necessary tools were obtained, and so the work began, though differently from Miss Castner’s first intentions. As it had not been possible to rouse the active interest of educated German women, particularly those living in the country, the school could not be limited to their own country-women, as had been the original plan. Our statistical tables plainly show how largely foreigners are in the majority.

The difficulties of the beginning were successfully overcome; the garden, now three acres, attracted students in growing numbers. In April, 1895, ten new scholars joined the original seven, and in the next year seventeen were added. From that time a regular increase went on.

Yet many hindrances remained. If women were indifferent, gardeners showed the liveliest, though not friendly, interest in the scheme, and it took years to convince them they would not be harmed by the new ideas.

Prominent men like Professors Wittenack, Herren, Ascherson, Sorauer, Garden-Inspector Lindemint, and others, whose judgment carried great weight, were most sceptical. They feared, not without cause, that the training for women, as was too common, would be imperfect. Some examinations, at which they were present on the invitation of Dr. Elvira Castner, convinced them of the thoroughness of our work, and with just pride we count them now amongst our truest friends.

The establishment soon won general respect. House and garden at Friedenau became too small, and a move was made in October, 1899, to Marienfelde, where the garden of ten acres and the large house promised to be sufficient for years to come. Miss Castner gave up her dental practice and devoted herself entirely to the school. The interest of German women was at last awakened, and what was impossible ten years previously was now imitated in Godesberg and other places. Schools of horticulture, on the Marienfelde model, were started.

Next comes the question of the training and the after career of the students. The prospectus and plan of studies of the institution abundantly answer the first question. I believe I can rightly say one seldom finds such an excellent organisation, with so harmonious an intermingling of theory and practice. The gardener’s calling is thoroughly practical, but theoretical instruction cannot be left in the background. In our school only the afternoon hours belong to scientific exposition, the whole morning is devoted to practical work. This is more necessary, as most ladies come to us without the slightest preliminary knowledge, and an obligatory previous apprenticeship was part of our ideal scheme. It is no slight task for a head-gardener to overlook and occupy in the garden fifty to sixty ladies, many without former training. A suitable organisation, formed in the course of years, considerably lightens this task, and the number of students in the gardens might be doubled without causing Herr Cornelius (our present head-gardener) much more trouble. Each lady learns to begin and finish her task without help; second year students are allowed partly to arrange their own work for each season, and are responsible for their management of it.

The ten-acre garden is not sufficient to employ the many students, although all the work is done by the ladies; more ground has been added, and, in addition, each class undertakes to keep in order one or two private gardens in the colony.

What becomes of all the students after training? Do they find really satisfactory posts? Up till now the situations offered cannot be filled, there not being sufficient candidates. The great varieties in the exercise of this calling, which in my opinion are not nearly exhausted, promise to all women, giving themselves to it, a suitable and pleasant occupation.

All nerve and lung sanatoria, as well as Nature Cure establishments, on whose patients garden work exercises such a beneficial effect, all house-keeping schools, kindergarten, benevolent institutions and orphanages will, it is to be hoped, in a few years, consider the appointment of a trained lady gardener a matter of course. Then come posts in private gardens, in town or country, nursery gardens, soon it is to be hoped school gardens, and all new schools of horticulture.

A glance at our statistics shows that proportionately few scholars of the two years’ course undergo the examination, and later take situations. This is explained by the different scholars who come here, and who may be divided into three classes:--

1. Those who actually prepare for a profession.

2. So-called “hospitantinnen,” mostly ailing ladies, ordered by a doctor work in the open air.

3. Young girls between sixteen and eighteen years of age, who in healthy open-air work seek relaxation after school time, and a substitute for the usual year in a boarding-school. This state of affairs is not likely to last much longer. New institutions will branch off; some, perhaps, only for delicate women, others reserved for young girls.

STATISTICAL OBSERVATIONS

The school was from October 1, 1894, to April 1, 1904, attended by

Two years’ scholars 114 One year scholars 31 Scholars less than a year 33 Special students 54 --- Total 232

April 1, 1904. Scholars received 13 April 1, 1904. Special scholars received 7 May, 1904. Special scholars received 2 --- 254

Till April 1, 1904, course completed by 77 scholars. Of those

In situations 38 Occupied at home 18 Self-supporting on their own account 9 Married 4 Studying botany and chemistry 2 Occupation and residence unknown 6 --- Total 77

In the school 37 --- Total 114

There remain in the school 37 scholars + 13 = 50 + 9 special students.

NATIONALITIES

German 218 Dutch 8 Norwegian 4 Italian 1 Bulgarian 1 Russian 14 Austrian 5 American 1 Swiss 1 Roumanian 1 --- Total 254

For five years our horticultural school has given a course for teachers, which is held in two divisions of fourteen days, one in spring, the other in August. A quite special programme is sketched out for it, and everything necessary for regulating a school garden is taught to teachers in the shortest possible way. Teachers must carry out all the tasks given, by themselves. Twenty-five teachers have taken advantage of this course, four of these from Königsberg, in East Prussia.

THE FOLLOWING EXTRACTS FROM THE PROSPECTUS OF THE MARIENFELDE SCHOOL SHOW ITS PRESENT DEVELOPMENT

(Formerly Friedenau, near Berlin)

OBJECT OF THE INSTITUTION

The intention of the School of Pomology and Horticulture is, by theoretical instruction and practical work, to fit women and girls of good education to take posts as professional gardeners, or to turn their acquired knowledge into money by the cultivation of their own ground. Above all, they learn that intelligent cultivation of the soil brings better crops and produce, and with better sale a higher value to the ground, and that all the necessary work can be carried on with success by women. Those scholars who wish to qualify as gardeners must go through a two years’ course. At the expiry of this an examination is held, which confers a leaving certificate on the successful candidates. Those who have not attended the course regularly or have not accomplished the desired quantity of practical or theoretical work, or who do not wish to undergo the examination, as well as those who, after a one year’s course, leave the institution, receive, if they wish it, a certificate of attendance at the school.

A.--COURSE FOR SCHOLARS

The course is for two years, and pupils are admitted at the beginning of April and October of each year. The theoretical instruction embraces these branches:--

1. Pomology.--Planting, cultivation, care of fruit-trees and berry bushes, improvement, pruning, knowledge of species, preservation and sale of fruit, forcing under glass, pot fruit culture.

2. Viticulture.--Planting and training of the vine.

3. Cultivation of vegetables on waste land, sale and preserving, hot-beds.

4. Flower culture.--Special attention given to the rose (propagation and improvement).

5. Arboriculture.--Cultivation, increase and description of the chief kinds of woods with information of their decorative value for landscape gardening.

6. Landscape gardening and design.--Sketches and plans of gardens and pleasure-grounds.

7. Land surveying and levelling.

8. Lessons in soils and manures.

9. Botany, anatomy, physiology.--Systems, morphology and geography of plants, diseases of plants.

10. Chemistry.--The most important constituents of organic and inorganic chemistry, and the most important minerals for plants.

11. Zoology.--Animals hurtful or beneficial to pomology and horticulture.

12. Geometry.

13. Binding, tying.

14. Bee-rearing.:

15. The most important and practical legal knowledge.

16. Book-keeping and correspondence.

17. Instruction in management.

The practical work is carried on under the guidance and supervision of a head-gardener, which work must be done unconditionally according to the arrangement of the head or his substitute: Work begins in summer at seven o’clock, in winter at eight.

The plan of work, containing all details, is settled at the beginning of every session. Holidays of three weeks at Christmas, and of fourteen days in summer. The students must leave the institution during the Christmas holidays, owing to the necessary yearly repairs. Permission to remain is only given in urgent cases. Irregular attendance at the institution is a cause of dismissal before the end of the course. The course ends with the examination.

Bee-rearing is practically undertaken. Those ladies interested in poultry-breeding get the opportunity to acquire the rudiments of this knowledge.

CONDITIONS OF ADMISSION

Necessary conditions of admission are a healthy body fit for the work, and education in the first class of a secondary girls’ school. To this must be added a short account of one’s life. Minors must have the written consent of their father, whose agreement to bear all the expenses of attending the school must be given.

DRESS

For practical work a special dress is prescribed: reform-dress of coarse woollen stuff (linen in summer) and an apron. In the wet season of the year wooden shoes must be worn. Students provide at their own cost: garden knife, grafting and fertilising knife, stock shears, tree saws and pocket scissors. Instruments and the suitable clothing can be purchased after entry into the institution, as there is no variation in the dress (stuff, colour, and cut). Those scholars received as boarders must bring with them mattress and feather-bed (bedsteads with spiral spring-mattresses are provided) as well as bed-linen, towels, serviettes, spoons, knives and forks. Bedsteads and other large pieces of furniture may not be brought or procured.

Scholars are not accepted under sixteen years.

B.--COURSE FOR SPECIAL STUDENTS

1. For those who, on account of ill-health, want to occupy themselves for a time in the open air. These have only practical work, and do not take part in the theoretical instruction. Admission from April to October, or for a longer or shorter time.

2. Those who wish to take theoretical instruction along with the other. Admission April and October.

C.--SPECIAL COURSE

1. Course for teachers of fourteen days’ duration in spring, and the same in autumn.

2. Course for owners of gardens (February-March), lasting four weeks. Care of fruit-trees and pruning.

FEES

Scholars (Course A) whose parents do not reside in the near neighbourhood of Marienfelde must live in the institution, so far as there is room. If all places are filled, other boarding-houses will be recommended. Board in the school (without laundry) amounts to £4 per month, instruction 25s., and are both paid quarterly, the first term beforehand.

The cost of board in other pensions is from £4 10s. to £5 per month, according to size of room.

Monthly fee for Course A (first quarter in advance), £1 5s.; monthly fee for Course B1 (one month payable in advance), £1 15s.; monthly fee for Course B2 (a quarter payable in advance), £1 15s.; monthly fee for Course C1 (each division in advance), 10s.; monthly fee for Course C2 (payable in advance), £2.

Scholars who wish to leave the institution before the end of the course must give three months’ notice; this can only be done in January and June.

Should a pupil leave for any cause whatever in the middle of a quarter no reduction is made, and board and fees must be paid for the next term.

For the six winter months (October to April) 3s. per month for heating, and each session 3s. for use of garden utensils, are levied from each scholar.

It is expected and supposed that each scholar will conduct herself as a lady, in and out of the institution. Unladylike behaviour, as well as contravention of the rules of the house, necessary to the maintenance of discipline, may be punished by dismissal from the school.

Principal and Owner: ELVIRA CASTNER. DR. D. S.

POMOLOGICAL AND HORTICULTURAL SCHOOL FOR WOMEN, AT WOLFENBÜTTEL

Conducted by MARTHA BREYMANN

OBJECTS AND INSTRUCTION

The object of the two-years’ course is to give the most comprehensive instruction in horticulture, so as to afford ladies the opportunity of fitting themselves for an independent career in husbandry; or by a one year’s course to be able to occupy their time usefully and happily in cultivating their own ground. Besides the correct working of the ground, the aim is to teach the pupils to know for themselves the most necessary work and its proper execution, and to turn them out practical gardeners and capable, observant characters.

The forenoon, till the pause for breakfast, is kept exclusively for practical work, which daily amounts to five or six hours. The field of activity is the nine-acre garden of the “Breymann Educational Institute for Young Girls,” with pleasure-grounds, greenhouses, forcing-beds, vegetable-fields, nursery, etc. The opportunity to learn bee-culture is also given.

The theoretical instruction serves to explain and so to support the practical work. It comprises:

1. Botany.--Plant life.

2. Elementary chemistry, for the better understanding of the transformations of matter, instruction in manures, analysis of soils.

3. Fruit and vegetable culture.

4. Flower growing.

5. Arboriculture.

6. Forcing.

7. Zoology (the foes of plants and their destruction).

8. Garden design.

Theoretical instruction is given every afternoon from one to two hours. Thursday afternoons are at the students’ disposal. Holidays are in winter from the 15th of December till the 15th of January. During this time the institution is closed. As an exception, if specially desired, leave is granted for a fortnight at whichever date suits best, viz., 1st to 15th April, July, or October; in those weeks theoretical instruction is not given.

Stipulations.--1, Good education; 2, excellent health; 3, obedience to the regulations of the house. Order and punctuality are expected. Notice must be given of absence from a meal, or after ten o’clock at night. There are three principal meals, and early and afternoon coffee. The food is simple, but carefully prepared.

The fees amount to 250 marks per quarter, to be paid quarterly in advance. The institution can only be left after a quarter’s notice. For heating and lighting the bedroom (if desired) an extra charge is made. Exceptional use, such as a fire the whole day, or light after ten p.m., is naturally more. A heated general room for study is at every one’s disposal. On leaving and at Christmas 3s. for attendance is added to the account.

Each student must bring: Feather-bed (not bedstead or mattress), bed-cover, sheets, towels, serviettes, and table-cover. An exception is made for foreigners, to whom these articles are lent for a fee. Any further information will be readily given. Letters of recommendation can be shown.

THE MARIENBURG SCHOOL FOR LADY GARDENERS

Station: LEUTESDORF

Pier: ANDERNACH (with ferry connection to Leutesdorf)

COURSE FOR EDUCATED WOMEN IN HORTICULTURE AND FORCING

Marienburg lies close to the Rhine, in Leutesdorf. The larger agricultural property, with ornamental park, fruit and vegetable garden, greenhouses, hot-beds belonging to Neuwied, a neighbouring country residence, serve as the practical field of work for the school. All the labour needed is done by the students. The school is in two buildings, with single-and double-bedded rooms for the reception of twenty ladies. Hot and cold water is laid on, with bath-rooms and central heating. Comfortably furnished sitting-rooms give the opportunity for social intercourse during off-time. This school gives educated girls and women the chance to acquire the requisite practice and knowledge to work a garden correctly and independently.

Practical and theoretical instruction are both given, but the greater value is placed on thoroughly comprehensive practical knowledge.

I.--TWO YEARS’ COURSE

For those ladies who wish to fit themselves for a gardener’s calling, and later take posts as gardeners on estates, in villa gardens, sanatoria, house-keeping schools, educational institutions, etc. (2,000 have taken situations with salary, six without).

A.--PRACTICAL INSTRUCTION

Pomology: Hybridisation, care, forcing, sale. Vegetable culture: Open-air and forcing, sale. Floriculture: Hardy and hot-house flowers, balcony and room decoration, arranging, making wreaths. Commercial gardening: Sale and despatch, with practical book-keeping. Landscape gardening: Designing, laying out and care of gardens. Basket weaving, joinery, glazing.

B.--THEORETICAL INSTRUCTION

Pomology: Breeding, pruning, forcing, knowledge of species. Vegetable culture and forcing. Flower propagation and hot-houses, forcing. Forestry: Description and crossing of the most important trees for landscape gardening. Landscape gardening. Legal knowledge. Book-keeping and correspondence. Botany: Morphology, anatomy, physiology, systems, geography of plants, plant diseases. Zoology: Animals useful and hurtful to horticulture. Chemistry: Soils and manures. Geometry and surveying.

Theoretical instruction is given by a head-gardener, a highly-educated scientific master, and by the principal herself. The head-gardener instructs in the practical department with the help of a basket-maker and joiner for those branches. Admission to the course is in the beginning of April and October.

As a means of judging the proficiency of our scholars a small exhibition of garden products, and sketches and designs of gardens, is held yearly in the institution, about the end of September or beginning of October. An inspection of the exhibition, and also of the garden, is willingly permitted to anyone interested.

At the close of the second year the scholars receive a certificate after examination.

CONDITIONS OF ADMISSION

Scholars must have passed through the first class in a secondary girls’ school, and have a healthy, robust constitution. Age not over thirty. A medical certificate and a short autobiography must be added to the report.

A special dress is required for practical work. This, as well as garden shears and saws, is provided at the student’s cost; all other implements belong to the school, and are used without payment. From 1st to 15th every quarter there is no theoretical instruction. Extra leave, if wanted, should be asked for then. Classes are stopped for four weeks at Christmas, and scholars can only remain in the institution at this time by special permission.

FEES

For board and lodging, exclusive of heating and laundry, in double-bedded room, £4 10s.; single-bedded room, £5 monthly. For instruction £1 monthly is charged. Fees are to be paid quarterly in advance (from £16 10s. to £18.) In the two winter quarters 15s. extra for heating are charged. Arrears are not allowed. Anyone wishing to leave before the end of the course must give three months’ notice, or pay a quarter’s fees; such notice will only be received at the beginning of each quarter.

The following articles are to be brought:--Table silver and cutlery, fruit-knife, serviette-ring (all plainly marked), serviettes, towels, pillows, sheets, and soiled linen-bag. Bedstead and mattress are supplied.

II.--ONE YEAR’S COURSE

For those ladies who wish to work their own gardens, and for young girls who, after the strain of school life, seek re-invigoration in healthy, refreshing activity for body and mind. These receive the same instruction as for the first year of the regular course, but no certificate. In other respects the conditions of the full course hold good. Ladies who already have elementary knowledge, and only wish to take the second year’s course, must undergo a preliminary examination.

III.--SPECIAL STUDENTS

Can enter for a shorter time, to try if the calling of gardener suits them, so that later they can take a course of one or two years. This class, as well as those who want to improve their health by occupation in the open air, only take part in practical instruction. They will find near the Leutesdorf school a good boarding-house, where the charge is 30s. monthly. Entry on the 1st or 15th of every month.

Scholars under eighteen years of age are in the special charge of the principal, and without her permission may not leave the institution. Practical instruction is divided into four hours in the morning and two in the afternoon. Theoretical instruction is given from one to two hours daily in the afternoon. Scholars are free on Saturday afternoon and Sunday. From time to time excursions with the students are undertaken to inspect the surrounding country, gardens and pleasure-grounds, and nurseries.

Punctuality and order are required of every student. The rules of the school and house must be rigidly observed.

MARIE C. VORWERK, ELSBETH VON ZIBZEWIK (Owners and Principals)

RULES FOR THE HOUSE

1. Scholars must appear punctually at meals; exceptions are to be notified to the housekeeper. In case of illness only will meals be served in the bedroom. Dress must be changed for dinner and supper.

2. Before first breakfast scholars must put away anything lying about their rooms, make beds, and open the windows.

3. Paper, flowers, hair, or other insoluble articles may not be put in the basin.

4. The scholars must clean clothes and shoes, except their working boots.

5. Servants and assistants are not to be asked for any extra service; tips and presents are forbidden; at Christmas and on leaving every scholar puts something into a money-box for the servants.

6. Rooms and passages may not be entered with garden boots.

7. Boxes and soiled linen are to be kept on the ground floor.

8. After dinner till 2 o’clock and after 10 p.m. perfect quiet must prevail. Lamps in the school-and business-rooms, as well as in the corridor, are put out at 10 p.m.

9. Nails may not be knocked in the walls of the rooms without permission; it is also forbidden to fasten articles on the walls with ordinary or drawing-pins.

10. Any damage to the house or furniture must be pointed out at once to the principals, and made good.

11. All complaints are to be made to the principals.

SCHOOL REGULATIONS

1. The scholars must attend theoretical and practical instruction regularly; leave of absence only from the principals. Whoever misses more than six weeks’ instruction in one session cannot be admitted to the examination.

2. Practical work occupies six hours, theoretical from one to two hours daily. Work begins in summer at 7 o’clock, in winter at 8 o’clock in the morning. Saturday afternoon and Sunday are holidays.

3. Scholars whose week it is to be in management, or at work in the hot-houses, must remain in the establishment, even in their free time, and look after their departments.

4. Only half of the scholars at most can get leave in the first fortnight of a quarter. Permission should therefore be sought in good time. Those employed in the hot-houses or as overseers can obtain leave in case of urgency only, and must put in a substitute during their absence.

5. Permission for a week’s leave is to be obtained at latest eight days in advance, for one or several days the day before. Only urgent cases permit an exception.

To be provided:--1 reform winter dress with bloomers; 2 reform summer dresses with 2 bloomers; 2 blue linen aprons; 1 cap, and 2 linen hats; 1 pair strong boots and gaiters; some books, drawing materials, grafting-saw, tree-shears, garden-knife, grafting and fertilising knives, yard-stick, materials for basket-making.

Anyone maliciously violating the regulations of the house or school is dismissed.

SCHOOL OF HORTICULTURE FOR LADIES, AT HOLTENAU, NEAR KIEL, SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN

“I willingly comply with the request to contribute a short report of my work in connection with the above institution, which I founded in 1901.

“It is beautifully situated on an elevation gently sloping south towards Kiel Harbour, near the Kaiser Wilhelm Canal. It contains two hot-houses, eighty forcing frames, about 500 fruit trees of all sorts and kinds, a grand assortment of shrubs, ornamental trees and conifers. Two alleys of high-grown pear trees (interlaced) in the shape of a large cross form the centre of the garden.

“I opened the school with five pupils; at present there are seventeen. The course of training is two years for those who wish to take up gardening as a profession, and one year for amateurs.

“The study is twofold: Practical and theoretical. Our practical course comprises:--Fruit growing: How to grow best dessert fruit on large and small farm trees. Harvesting the fruit. Storing and packing it. There are about forty different kinds of apples, thirty-five pear and fifteen plum trees. Preserving various fruits in various ways. Then there is the annual grafting of wild trees, the culture of farm trees, of high standard and half-high standards. We also grow apples, pears, and peaches in pots and tubs. Vegetable growing includes forcing in the hot-house and frames, as well as cultivation of all suitable kinds in the open field. I teach preserving and wintering of vegetables. In flower growing we specially take those pot plants that sell well, as: Chrysanthemum indicum, Primula obconica and chinensis, cyclamen, begonias, amaryllis, hyacinths, tulips, cineraria, etc. But of course we also cultivate exotics.

“In the open we cultivate the favourite spring and summer flowers, annual and perennial roses, etc. Thus we obtain abundant material for cut flowers, which serve for teaching the pupils to make up bouquets, table decorations, etc. We use the garden stuff first of all for our own household, but the remainder--by far the larger part--is sold in Kiel, thus teaching the pupils the actual market value of their materials.

“At the Schleswig-Holstein Horticultural Exhibition in 1906 our school gained four first and three second prizes; several diplomas; and the silver State medal for fruit-packing.

“For landscape gardening we have small plantations, where every year we train new trees by means of slips, suckers, shoots, and heaping up. We have had orders to plan and lay out several gardens in Kiel and Holtenau.

“Now and then visits are arranged to the various nurseries, market gardens, private gardens of importance, or the Botanical Gardens at Kiel, so as to give the pupils opportunity of seeing other plants and other ways of arranging and growing.

“Our scientific course comprises:--Botany, chemistry, mineralogy (taught by a University man), drawing (by the municipal head-gardener). Drawing includes: Geometrical problems, drawing plans of small and large gardens, then designs of pupils’ own making; correct calculation of expenses, and working plans in detail.

“Land surveying and levelling are first taught theoretically, then practically. Much importance is attached to a thoroughly accurate drawing of plans, as it is excellent practice for the eye for all things pertaining to gardening. In regard to plan drawing we have had many successes. At the before-mentioned Schleswig-Holstein Horticultural Show in Kiel, September, 1906, five pupils exhibited their own designs in garden plans, with schemes for working them, and bill of costs attached, which gained distinctions; two pupils received the Ehrenpreis, given by H.H. Duchess Caroline Mathilde of Schleswig-Holstein-Glücksburg. At the exhibition in Bremen in 1907 two pupils earned honourable mention by the Horticultural Society.

“Then we have lessons on soil, manure, zoology, arboriculture, and how to lay out plantations. Our practical subjects are thoroughly entered into, and treated also from their scientific basis.

“As a test of the work done by the pupils there is an annual exhibition of garden produce of all kinds, and of the pupils’ drawings, in the hall of the Institution. Friends and experts are invited. We have had cheering visits of inspection from the Kieler Horticultural Club and the Frauenverein.

“After the two years’ learning is completed the pupils receive a testimonial as to their qualifications and achievements. But no examination is held, as I hold that not being held by qualified Government examiners they are practically useless. My aim is to give my pupils a thoroughly sound practical education.

“There is a great demand for well trained lady gardeners, and one who is skillful commands a good social position. I have so many offers for trained pupils that the demand far overreaches the supply. Salaries commence with about £30, including food, and treatment as a member of the family. Many of my pupils are filling situations on estates, schools for economy, sanatoria, private gardens, etc. Two former pupils are now teachers of horticulture at the Household School for Women at Reifenstein, near Leinefelde (Prov. Saxony), and at Maidburg, near Kempen (Prov. Posen). One pupil has been gardener-in-chief at the large training home for girls near Berlin; then she went to America, where she is manager of a large private garden in New York. Another pupil occupied the post as paid assistant at an extensive vegetable growing plantation near Kiel, and was able to work as fast and satisfactorily as the male assistants. Other pupils again, including some Danes and Norwegians, cultivate their own gardens or take situations in their own country. Still another pupil founded, about two years ago, a Horticultural School at Wolfenbüttel (Brunswick), following the same principles as taught at my school.

“There is no difficulty in finding really good situations for skilful workers, and gardening has proved a blessing to many of our sex. “MARTA BACK. “HOLTENAU, September, 1907.”

The above account gives such a graphic description that I need only add the terms. A thorough education and good health are required of those applying for vacancies. The terms are:--50 marks per quarter. Pension for students the first year, 75 marks per month; pension for students the second year, 70 marks per month. This must be paid three months in advance.

AUGUSTE-FÖRSTER INSTITUTION, OBERZWEHREN (KREIS CASSEL)

The Kassel Society for the Education of Women has provided in the Auguste-Förster Institute a country school where young girls and women may obtain a thorough training in three different departments: viz., horticulture, domestic economy, and poultry and pig-rearing, etc. The instruction, combining theoretical information and practical work, is given by accomplished female teachers. Six to eight scholars can be taken for each department.

The duration and direction of the course are regulated by the result aimed at. The time of study in each department lasts a year; scholars, who intend to make use of their training in their own home, can take a half-year’s course.

Students are not permitted to take the different courses concurrently. Those who successfully pass an examination, held at the end of the year’s course, receive a certificate of proficiency. These certificates are of special importance to those who wish to earn their living in the gardener’s calling, or as housekeepers. The year’s course and certificate are also valuable to those who become teachers of domestic economy in rural house-keeping schools, as the regulation examination for domestic economy does not include such special country subjects as horticulture, poultry-rearing, etc. For those who have already attended similar institutions, and wish further instruction without intending to make money by it, a shorter course of study, under special conditions, is arranged.

The instruction comprises:--Theoretical instruction in the different branches and conditions of plant-culture. Practical work: Fruit and vegetable culture, raising plants in the open air and under glass, care of plants in hot-houses and in rooms, care of ornamental grounds, decoration of dwelling-rooms and verandahs with plants and cut-flowers. To those students who intend to become professional gardeners a longer attendance at our establishment is recommended, or a continuance of training in a nursery or private garden; a thorough initiation into the high calling of gardener is not possible in a shorter time. Any who have taken the year’s course, and desire more advanced training, can attend the State horticultural institutions as out-students.

The Kassel Chamber of Agriculture has granted the Förster Institution the use of the means of instruction provided in the Oberzwehren Pomological Institute, a remarkably well-conducted establishment.

The Auguste-Förster Institution at the same time aims to attract educated women to settle in the country, by affording them practical guidance in social work. For this object, instruction in handicrafts, knitting, sewing, mending, cutting-out, cooking, washing, and ironing is given (chiefly in winter) to the women, young girls, and children of the surrounding villages. Ladies with good preparatory knowledge are admitted as voluntary helpers, if they intend to devote themselves in earnest to social work in the country, and if there is room in the institution.

HOLLAND

The following notes were sent me by a lady in Holland, and have been kindly put into English by a friend. They describe briefly the school recently opened near The Hague (Station of Rijswyk). The name of the school is “Huis te Lande,” and it is built in the style of an English country house. It is managed by Mesdames J. KUYST and C. POMPE.

On a medallion over the entrance the following motto is inscribed. “Think great thoughts, do great deeds.” The students are all girls of good position and well educated. They must speak at least three modern languages, and have a good knowledge of botany and geography. Otherwise they could not profit by the course; it is therefore preferable if they have been at a high school. They must have taste for gardening.

A medical certificate is required, showing that they are physically fit for the work. The directors of this school do their best to correct the idea, which many doctors have, that gardening is suitable to invalids. The institution is not intended as a Sanatorium, and only healthy, active girls are wanted, and those who evince a strong inclination for out-of-door life.

The school is especially intended for the daughters of those who inhabit cottages or villas having small gardens attached. As a rule these gardens leave much to be desired in the way of cultivation. They are too small for a gardener, and are worked by a labourer, who knows but little about the cultivation of flowers. It is hoped that the school training will enable these young ladies to manage and cultivate their home gardens. It is considered, in Holland, that the time for ladies to earn a living by gardening has not yet arrived.

Both practical and theoretical work is taught, but the former is considered the most advantageous. If the students know how to do the work themselves, they can show their workmen. At the same time theory will help them to understand the why and wherefore of operations. On three mornings a week, from 9 to 12, theory is taught. The rest of the time is for practical work. A lecture hall is attached to the school; there is also a special laboratory, which students are only allowed to use under the supervision of those who understand chemistry.

A coffee room is provided for students who live too far away to return home for dinner. There is also a dressing-room, and from here a door opens into the one acre of flower garden and arboretum, which is surrounded by frames and glass-houses.

In the middle of the grounds is a spacious workshop, which can be warmed.

Some of the glass-houses are for flowers, and others for fruit. They contain many pots with small fruit trees, in full fruit, and peach trees. The whole is under good and practical management. Only six students are at present admitted at a time. Terms are 300 guelders a year.

GOVERNMENT WINTER SCHOOL FOR GARDENING (HORTICULTURE)

AALSMEER, BOSKOOP, NAALDWIJK, TIEL

Practical experiments are also carried out during the summer at Aalsmeer.

Age of Admission.--16.

Requirements.--Knowledge of the Dutch language, of arithmetic, geography, rudiments of German and English. Some idea of gardening (to be given verbally).

Fees.--Fl. 10, for two winter terms. Pupils without means can receive free admission from the Minister of the Interior. The fee for the summer term at Aalsmeer is fl. 25.

Implements or tools.--Cost fl. 9 or fl. 10.

The theoretical instruction comprises physics, chemistry, botany and zoology, all branches of horticulture, the Dutch language, arithmetic, book-keeping, and, if desired, English and German commercial correspondence.

Drawing for the laying out of gardens.

Practical instruction comprises:--Different kinds of work in the proof gardens, with Government subsidy; experiments in cultivation, manuring and grafting.

During the second year this work is also carried out in the gardens of other horticulturists and gardeners.

Diploma can be obtained after two years.

Course of instruction for pruning.--There is a course of instruction for pruning at Tiel, for a fee of fl. 2.50.

Temporary local winter terms are given by Government teachers in gardening with the aim of preparing the lady teachers of the temporary winter terms.

The course extends over three years, during which time a hundred lessons per year are given.

The diploma obtainable is the Degree of Primary Instruction for Horticulture, and the course is open only to those who hold the degree as teacher of Primary Instruction. There is no fee.

Temporary winter terms are arranged by gardening societies, with Government subsidies. There is no fee, and at the conclusion of the term of instruction a certificate is granted.

COURSE OF HORTICULTURAL STUDY AT THE ACADEMY AT LEIDEN

Requirements.--Instruction received at the High School, or diploma for Secondary Primary Instruction, knowledge of foreign languages.

Fees.--For the theory lessons, one hour a week, fl. 30 for three months; for the theory lessons, two hours a week, fl. 50 for three months; for the theory lessons, three hours a week, fl. 60 for three months. The course extends over one and a half to two years.

There is also a similar course of study at the Gröningen Academy.

* * * * *

Other Schools of Gardening in Holland are:--

The Sempercrescens at Naarden, Bussum. (Fees, fl. 300, implements and tools, fl. 10.)

Flora Horticultural School at Watergraafsmeer (Middenweg, 89). Age of admission, 14. Fees, fl. 250; implements and tools, fl. 20; knowledge of the Dutch language, writing, arithmetic, geography, are necessary.

A course of study is given by Mr. van der Wissel, Huize Soltane, Epe.

ITALY

WOMEN’S INSTITUTE OF AGRICULTURE AND DOMESTIC ECONOMY,

CASCINE, FLORENCE, 1907

This institute was founded on the initiative of several ladies, with the object of instructing girls in the different branches of agriculture and domestic economy, by giving them theoretical and practical ideas, which will enable them to employ their valuable energy in the domain of agriculture and good house-keeping.

The school opens its classes in November. The training lasts six months.

The classrooms are in the left wing of the grand ducal palace, on the Piazzole del Re, in the public park of the Cascine, very near the station of the electric tramway, which places the school within twenty minutes from the centre of the town.

The close vicinity of the horticultural establishment of the Royal School of Pomology and Horticulture, possessing gardens, hot-houses, orchards, vineyards, and kitchen gardens covering more than 50 acres of ground, together with the splendid position of the institute in the middle of the Cascine Park, combine to offer the best possible conditions for the practical teaching of agriculture, horticulture, dairy work, bee-keeping, etc.

The curriculum includes agriculture, house-keeping, hygiene, chemistry, book-keeping, cooking.

The programme of each class is as follows:--

Agriculture.--Elements of morphology or vegetable physiology. Climatic conditions. Elements of agronomy. Cultivation of herbaceous plants. Fruit culture: starting an orchard, and cultivation of pear, apple, peach, cherry, plum and apricot trees; storing and drying fruit; jam and preserve making. Vine and olive tree culture. Horticulture: laying out a small kitchen garden, and the cultivation of the principal kinds and varieties of vegetables. Gardening: flowers and ornamental foliage plants, trees and shrubs; plants for the house, flower cutting and arranging.

House-keeping.--I merely mention here those points which are connected with horticulture, such as:--

The cellar.--Storage of wine and oil.

Fruit store-room.--Heating and lighting apparatus; how to use and clean them.

Hygiene.--Open air and close air, meteorological factors.

Water.--Its qualities.

Soil.--Its fertilisation and sanitation.

Chemistry.--Bodies, simple and composed. The soil in its relation to plant life--artificial manuring; air, light, heat, water, drink, food, seasonings. Practical experiments.

Book-keeping.--Domestic and patrimonial administrations; compilation of inventories; current accounts; buying and selling; State funds; plain book-keeping and other methods; book-keeping for business on a small scale; auxiliary books; special accounts and their books; registry and balance account; exercises in domestic and agricultural book-keeping.

Cooking.--The lessons will be as much as possible demonstrative, and accompanied by manual practice of the more important operations of agriculture (grafting, pruning, sowing, etc.), of agricultural industries, and also of house-keeping and cooking. Holiday re-unions will be held under the supervision of the patronesses of the institute, and instructive excursions will be made.

Admission.--For the theoretical and practical classes the girls must be at least sixteen years old.

A formal request on official stamped paper must be presented, together with the legalised birth certificate and documents proving that students have obtained--either at private or public schools--the necessary education in all ordinary knowledge. There must also be a certificate of good health and of vaccination.

The admission fee is 10 lire (8s.), besides the payment of 40 lire (32s.), to attend the lessons. At the end of six months, after a theoretical and practical examination, a certificate of steady attendance and progress will be given.

Non-residents can inquire about good and inexpensive lodgings in Florence from the secretary of the committee of patronesses.

There will also be a few places for non-students who wish to attend some of the lectures. They must address their request to the director of the institute and pay 30 lire (20s.) for each course of lectures they wish to attend.

Arrangements will be made for non-students attending several classes.

NORWAY

The Norwegian agricultural high school has a special class for horticulture, and here ladies are given the highest education. After two years’ study they obtain the title of “Cand-horticulture,” which means a certificated gardener.

Before being admitted, it is necessary to have done practical work in a garden for two years, and to have passed an examination in a smaller school of horticulture. The three following are the lower schools:--

BERLY school for lady gardeners was established in 1901. It is supported by Government, and has a grant of about 4,000 kroner a year. The principal is Mr. M. NILSEN, and there is a teacher besides. Only ten students are admitted each year, and up to now seventy young ladies have been educated here.

VAARTUM school for lady gardeners, at Stenlyaer, is also supported by Government, with a grant of 4,000 kroner a year. The principal is Mr. SOLSTAEL, and there is one teacher besides. Ten students are admitted yearly. Ladies are trained here for work in their own gardens, as well as for other employment.

HASTUM school for lady gardeners, at Kristiania, was established in 1906. This school is inspected by Government, but does not receive a grant. The principals are the Misses FRÖLICH. Sixteen students are admitted yearly.

These schools all have practical and theoretical courses which last seven months. Hastum school also admits students for six-week courses. Instruction is given in the cultivation of fruit, vegetables, and flowers. Fruit-preserving is also taught. Training plants, forcing, frame and hot-bed culture, chemistry, botany, agriculture, and the diseases of plants are taught by lecture. At the same time students have to practise out-of-doors what they have learnt theoretically.

From the Norwegian horticultural high school only one lady has up to now passed out, but about 140 ladies in all have been through the lower schools. Several of these have bought land to work on themselves, others have taken posts in private gardens or in market gardens. They usually receive a salary of 25–30 kr. a month, besides a house and food. Others work in their own home gardens. Vegetables and fruit grow well, the flavour of them being far better than those grown further south.

I am told upon good authority that Norwegian women realise more and more that a great work lies before them out-of-doors, and they begin to prefer contact with Nature to sedentary work in offices.

SWEDEN

Through the kindness of a friend I am able to give a translation of the prospectus of the

GARDENING SCHOOL AT AGDATORP,

a practical school for lady gardeners.

The summer term begins on April 1st. The school, which is helped by the State and “Blekinge hushållningssållśkap,” takes students of all classes of society.

The chief object of the school is to spread a knowledge of gardening, and interest in it, amongst the daughters of the country population.

There are two different divisions. A student of Division I. has to pay 100 kr. (£5 10s.) at the commencement of the term, and 40 kr. (£2 5s.) at the beginning of each month for board and lodging.

Students of Division II. pay 50 kr. at the beginning of the term, and 2.20 kr. on the 1st of each month for board and lodging.

The hours of instruction in Division I. are fewer, though the fees are higher. The instruction for both is similar. Practical and theoretical instruction is given in the following subjects:--Culture of fruit, vegetables, flowers, hot-house and frame work, raising seeds, treatment of soil and manure, botany.

Special importance is attached to the use of garden produce in the house, preserving, and making fruit wines.

A course of lessons in plain cookery (free of charge) is arranged for those students who wish to take it. From July 1st to Oct. 1st.

The conditions for entering the school are:--Pupils to be at least seventeen years of age, and physically strong. Application for admission should be accompanied by a doctor’s certificate. A certificate from the upper class is also needed from those who come from elementary schools.

Students must have their own bedding, linen, napkins, candles, and soap, and must also provide gardening knives and scissors. The latter can best be procured after they enter the school.

Students are taken for part of the course, after the term has begun, for 60 kr. per month. Should a student for some reason be forced to leave, before her time is up, no money is returned.

In 1907 the State gave one place free to daughters of farmers. “Blekinge hushållningssållśkap” gave three places to daughters of farmers from Blekinge.

The school is situated at Agdatorp farm, in Nettraby, about 12 km. from Karlskrona. The term commences on April 1st and lasts until October 31st. Applications must be sent in before March 15th to Fr. J. SCHMIDT.

Since the college was founded 79 students have passed out. Of this number only eight have taken posts. The usual salary is from 15 kr. per month, board and lodging being provided. Some of the students have completed their training at other colleges, others pursue the interest of gardening in their own homes. It is clear that the salary mentioned is that of an under gardener, for the salary of a head gardener in Sweden varies from 300 kr. to 800 kr., with board and lodging; it is also usual to give a percentage upon the sales in the garden. Most of the women who study for gardening in Sweden do so in order to direct their own gardens. Many go through a course of training in a market garden, and some have been educated in colleges in other countries.

ESPENÄS SCHOOL FOR LADY GARDENERS

Postal Address: Lännäs. Railway Stations: Kilsmo, Sköllersta, and Wingaker. Steamboat Pier: Hampetorp. Steamer: “Gustav Lagerbjelde.”

Espenäs is beautifully situated close to the Lake “Store Hjälmaren.”

The school was founded in 1899. The term commences on April 15th and ends on October 15th. The teaching is both practical and theoretical.

The subjects taught are: General gardening, kitchen gardening, flowers for beds and borders; the care of hot-houses and frames, glazing, painting, making mats, preparation of frames, sowing, watering, etc. The cultivation of delicate vegetables and fruits such as asparagus, tomatoes, artichokes, cucumbers, melons and strawberries; climbing plants, grapes, and roses; fruit trees and berries; preparation of soil and manure; tying up plants; book-keeping as applied to gardening; the Weck method of preserving vegetables, fruit and berries; making fruit syrups, jellies, marmalade, fruit wines and pickles; drying fruit, berries, and vegetables. Optional--looking after poultry.

The conditions for entering the school are, that it is necessary to have passed through an elementary school, or to have had similar education. A testimonial from a clergyman or a doctor is required, as well as a photograph of the proposed student.

Payment in advance upon April 15th, 125 kr. (£7) for the whole term. For board and lodgings, all found, 65 kr. per month, to be paid on April 15th and July 15th. Soap, candles, linen, and bedding are provided by the students. A piano is in the house. There are good roads for cycling, and excellent bathing. Apply to STINA SWARTLING, née VON HOFSTEN.

The number of students who have passed out since the school was founded is over 100. Most of the students, upon the termination of their training, return to their homes, others take posts as gardeners, and their salaries amount usually to from 20 kr. to 40 kr. per month, board and lodging being provided for them.

SWITZERLAND

The following account of the only school for lady gardeners in the German-speaking part of Switzerland, has been very kindly sent to me by Madame Chaponniere, President de l’Alliance Nationale de Sociétés Féminines Suisses. I give the report in her words:--

ÉCOLE PROFESSIONNELLE D’HORTICULTURE POUR LES FEMMES

À NIEDER-LENZ, CANTON D’ARGOVIE, SUISSE

La seule école professionnelle d’horticulture pour les femmes, existant actuellement en Suisse, est celle de Nieder-Lenz fondée en 1906, par la “Société d’Utilité Publique des Femmes Suisses,” à Nieder-Lenz, dans un joli domaine, situé sur la ligne de chemin-de-fer du Seethal dans le Canton d’Argovie.

Le programme de l’école comprend différentes catégories de cours:--

1. Des cours de deux années destinés aux femmes désirant faire de l’horticulture leur profession.

2. Des cours d’une année destinés aux maîtresses d’écoles ménagères ou primaires.

3. Des cours d’une année, pour les personnes qui, par raison de santé ou autre, désirent connaître la culture des fruits, et du jardin.

4. Des cours spéciaux, d’une durée de six mois, sur les différentes branches du jardinage ou de la culture des arbres fruitiers. Le cours de deux années est formé de deux parties; une partie pratique et une partie théorique.

La partie pratique comprend:--

(a) La culture des légumes ainsi que leur emploi, leur conservation, et éventuellement la manière de les cuire et de les apprêter.

(b) Culture des fleurs en plein air et en serre, fleurs d’appartement, décoration, préparation de bouquets.

(c) Etablissement de jardins potagers.

(d) Culture des arbres fruitiers, taille, greffe, récolte des fruits, emballage, conserves, etc.

(e) Culture des baies (fraises, framboises, groseilles, myrtilles).

(f) Elevage de la volaille, des lapins, des abeilles.

La partie théorique comprend des leçons de botanique, de pomologie, de zoologie, de chimie agricole, de géométrie, de dessin, la tenue de livres et quelques notions de droit usuel.

L’école d’horticulture s’est ouverte le 1er avril 1906, avec huit élèves pour le cours complet de deux années et sept élèves pour le cours de six mois. Dans le courant de l’année huit autres élèves sont entrées pour un nouveau cours de deux ans. La majorité des élèves viennent de la Suisse, mais l’Autriche, Hongrie et la Russie en ont fourni aussi quelques-unes. Les conditions d’admission sont:--Avoir fréquenté une école secondaire ou une école analogue, être munie d’un certificat médical de bonne santé et d’un acte d’origine, être âgée de dix-sept ans accomplis.

Pour les cours d’une ou de deux années, le prix annuel de la pension et de l’enseignement est de francs 600 (£24) payables par trimestre à l’avance.

Pour les cours d’une année, sans but professionnel, francs 60 par mois, ainsi que pour les cours spéciaux de six mois. Les étrangers paient en outre francs 300 par an pour l’enseignement.

A ces différents cours, il faut ajouter encore des cours de culture de quelques semaines, données au printemps, en été, en automne, et destinées aux jeunes campagnardes des environs.

L’école est sous la surveillance d’une Commission de cinq membres, dont la présidente est Madame Coradi-Stahl (Wiedingstrasse, 56, Zurich), inspectrice fédérale des écoles ménagères, la secrétaire Madame Prof. Stocker-Caviezel (Küsnacht bei Zürich). La directrice de l’école est Madame Prof. Joss-Roser.

Les dons reçus en vue de l’installation ont atteint la somme de francs 18,959.36 et les dépenses pour l’installation se sont élevées à francs 14,298.76. Les recettes régulières pour cette première année se montent à francs 9,897.80, tandis que les dépenses, loger de la propriété, etc., font un total de francs 12,883.28, laissant ainsi un découvert de francs 2,985.48. Il y a lieu d’espérer qu’avec l’extension prévue de l’école et des sources de revenus nouvelles, ce déficit ne se renouvellera pas.