Board of Education. Every assistance will be given to those engaged in
the teaching of Nature study. Practical work with experiments forms
a special feature of the course. Formation of collections of dried
specimens of leaves, fruits, seeds, etc. Special study of British wild
flowers. Occasional botanical rambles and visits to places of botanical
interest.
Text Books:--Stage I.--Oliver’s “Elementary Botany.”
Stage II.--Lowson’s “Second Stage Botany.”
HORTICULTURE
STAGE I.--This stage provides an elementary course on the science
of plant life and soil, and will be taught chiefly by experiment and
observation.
_Plant life._--Seeds. Roots. Leaves structure, transpiration,
formation of starch. Stems. Buds. Flowers. Fruits. Seeds. Annuals,
biennials, bulbs, tubers, perennials.
_The soil._--Plant food. Origin and composition of soils. How
plants appropriate food from the soil.
STAGE II.--_Soil and situation._--Conditions which render
land suitable to particular forms of horticulture. Market gardening.
Hardy fruit growing. Nursery stock. Cultivation under glass. Proximity
to markets or stations. Cost of labour and manure. Conditions of tenure.
_Arrangements._--Design of a garden to suit particular purposes.
Shelter hedges and wind breaks. Water supply. Roadways and paths.
_Tillage._--The various operations and tools required. Drainage.
The amelioration of the soil by liming, claying, the incorporation of
lightening materials on clay soils.
_Composts and manures._--Loam, peat, leaf mould, farmyard manure,
liquid manure, artificial manures.
_Vegetables._--The cultivation of the standard vegetables in the
open air (1) for show, (2) for private consumption, (3) for market
work. Preparation of land, time of sowing, manures, management,
insect pests, harvesting and storing of each crop. The character of
the leading varieties of the cabbage, kale, broccoli, cauliflower,
lettuce, spinach, etc., celery, turnips, beet, carrots, parsnips,
potatoes, onions, peas and beans, asparagus and seakale, tomatoes in
the open air. Succession of crops. Forcing. Growth of tomatoes, beans,
cucumbers, etc., under glass. Mushrooms under glass and in sheds.
_Hardy fruit._--Preparation of the land, planting, pruning and
root management, manures. Spraying. Leading varieties of strawberries,
gooseberries, raspberries, currants, apples, plums, pears and cherries,
filberts and other nuts. Renovation of old fruit trees.
_Orchard house._--Peaches, nectarines, figs, apricots, cherries,
etc. Insect pests, etc.
_The flower garden._--Hardy and half-hardy annuals. Bedding out.
The herbaceous border. The rock garden and hardy fernery. Management of
roses, etc., for show.
_Flowers under glass._--Azaleas, ericas, etc., lily of the valley,
etc., rose, chrysanthemums, etc.
_Shrubs and trees._--Flowering shrubs, etc.
_Seed growing._--Saving and storing seed. Cross fertilisation and
hybridising. Selection and fixation of new varieties.
_Propagation._--Division, offsets. Bulbous plants. Soft and hard
wooded cuttings. Layering. Stocks for fruit trees, etc. Grafting and
budding.
* * * * *
Ladies may attend the course of instruction offered by the London
County Council at
KILMORIE ROAD EVENING COMMERCIAL AND ART
CENTRE, FOREST HILL, S.E.
Five shillings fee per session is charged to students over sixteen, and
2s. 6d. per session to those under sixteen.
HORTICULTURE
The syllabus of the Royal Horticultural Society will be
taken
_Elementary principles on which horticultural practice is
based._--Soils, good and bad; their mineral composition; chemical
nature of fertilisers and their respective values. The physiological
values of water, heat, and air in plant growth. The structure of seeds
and their modes of germination; the chemical phenomena of germination;
the movements of seedlings and the uses of them. The functions of
roots; their anatomical structure; hindrances to healthy root-action
and their remedies. The uses of stems and branches; the anatomical
structure of ordinary dicotyledonous and of a monocotyledonous stem.
The physiological functions of leaves, and the action of light upon
them. The structure of tubers and other subterranean stems; the
structure of bulbs and buds; the general phenomena of vegetative
multiplication. The physiological processes undergone in growth
and development; the structure of an active cell, and the process
of cell-division and the formation of tissues. The structure of
flower-buds and of flowers; the methods of pollination, natural and
artificial. The process of impregnation of the ovule, and the formation
of embryo and endosperm. The classification and description of fruits;
the changes and development during ripening. The general characters of
the commoner families of plants in cultivation. The origin of species.
_Horticultural operations and practice._--Elements of surveying
and landscape gardening. Choice of site for garden. Description and
use of implements under each head. Operations connected with the
cultivation of the land, with explanations and illustrations of good
and bad methods; digging and trenching; draining, hoeing, stirring
the soil, and weeding; watering; preparation of seed beds; rolling
and raking, sowing, transplanting and thinning; potting, planting;
aspects, positions, and shelter; staking; earthing and blanching, etc.
Propagation, elementary principles; cuttings, buddings and grafting,
stocks used, layering, division, branch pruning, root pruning; old
and young trees and bushes. Training. Fruit culture: Open air and
under glass; small fruits; apples and pears; stone fruits; gathering
and storing; packing and marketing. General knowledge of fruits, and
selection of varieties. Vegetable culture: tubers and roots; green
vegetables; fruit and seeds; rotation of crops, and selection of
varieties. Flower culture, outside and under glass. Manures and their
application. Improvement of plants by cross-breeding, hybridisation and
selection. Arboriculture: trees and shrubs and their culture. Insect
and Fungus pests; prevention and treatment.
_Examination._--Royal Horticultural Society in April.
PARTICULARS REGARDING SCHOOL GARDENS AT SCHOOLS
MAINTAINED BY THE LONDON COUNTY COUNCIL
There are at present a number of schools maintained by the Council
where gardens exist. As a rule these gardens are kept in condition
by the caretaker or by the teachers and pupils. In such cases it is
the practice to allow an annual expenditure in respect of the garden,
the amount varying from 10s. to £2. In one case, namely, Bailey’s
Lane Mixed School, South Tottenham, an annual expenditure of £3
3s. is allowed, but at this school cottage gardening is taken as a
grant-earning subject, the Head Master being recognised as a qualified
teacher by the Board of Education.
With this exception the gardens are used for the purposes of
instruction in botany and nature study.
Special teachers are not engaged for the purpose of giving instruction
in gardening.
The Council has at present under consideration the general question of
the formation and maintenance of gardens in certain schools, and it is
proposed that all work in connection therewith shall be carried out
by a staff of gardeners employed by the Council, and that the gardens
shall be utilised for the purpose of instruction of the pupils in
nature study by the teachers on the staff.
CHAPTER XV
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.,[4] 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.
[4] 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.
[Illustration: STUDENTS AT THE SCHOOL OF POMOLOGY AND
HORTICULTURE MARIENFELDE, NEAR BERLIN.]
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.
[Illustration: SCHOOL FOR LADY GARDENERS, HOLTENAU, NEAR KIEL
SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN.]
“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.
[Illustration: STUDENTS AT HASTUM SCHOOL, NORWAY.]
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.
[Illustration: STUDENTS AT WORK AT THE AGDATORP SCHOOL OF
GARDENING, SWEDEN.]
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.
[Illustration: STUDENTS AT WORK AT THE ESPENÄS SCHOOL FOR LADY
GARDENERS SWEDEN.]
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.
CHAPTER XVI
SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES IN AMERICA
THE UNITED STATES
The conditions under which women work in America are very unlike
those that exist in England. Schools and colleges are founded upon a
different basis; therefore work done in America cannot be strictly
compared to that done in England.
Each of the forty-five states in the United States has a college of
agriculture. These institutions are supported by public funds. They are
open to men and women alike, and both work together. That is to say,
these institutions are co-educational. These colleges cover the general
field of agriculture, and, in some, horticultural work is especially
well developed. Women in these institutions may take a variety of
subjects, or they may specialise in horticulture, dairying, home
economics, Nature-study.
A number of Government research posts in natural history are held by
women. They are also admitted to the instructional bodies of several
American Co-educational Colleges. A considerable number of the Doctors’
theses in botany from the University of Chicago are by women, and can
be seen in the _Botanical Gazette_. A notable thesis of late
years is that by Mrs. Clements, of the University of Nebraska.
Popular attention is turned increasingly to outdoor life and to living
on the land, and the demand for horticultural schools will continue and
ensure their establishment.
An expert tells me there is a wide field for women in horticulture
in America. Positions as teachers, lecturers, gardeners in private
gardens, consulting gardeners in suburban districts, market gardeners,
fruit and nut growers, poultry and bee keepers are open. The only
difficulty is that the right people are not at hand to fill them. The
oversight of school gardens and of vacant lot cultivation in the great
cities are openings appealing especially to women. Already there are
some successful landscape gardeners. Miss Beatrice Jones, of New York
City, and Miss Elizabeth Lee, of Philadelphia, are well known in this
branch.
NEW YORK STATE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AT CORNELL
UNIVERSITY, ITHACA, NEW YORK
HORTICULTURE
The equipment is divided into two parts--that which is associated with
the classroom and laboratories in the second and basement floors of the
main agricultural building, and that connected with the forcing-houses
and grounds surrounding them.
1. _Class rooms and laboratories._--The teaching activities are
centred mainly in the headquarters of the department, located on the
second floor of the main building in the agricultural compound. On
this floor are a commodious lecture room with a seating capacity for
100 students, a recitation-room for 35 students, a laboratory for
instruction in practical and systematic pomology. The laboratory
will accommodate 40 students, and is being fitted with suitable
apparatus and appliances for the efficient teaching of the practical
and laboratory phases of horticultural work. On the same floor is
the laboratory for advanced students. This room has space for 20
students, and those who are working in the graduate department or
engaged in research courses are provided with suitable appliances for
their special needs. The remainder of this floor is devoted to museum
purposes, herbarium, seminary-room, and offices for the instructing
staff.
In the basement is a laboratory with adjacent store-room for use in
connection with applied work in nursery and orchard practice. The
capacity of this laboratory is 50 students, so that a beginning class
of 100 may be accommodated in two sections. Students in elementary
pomology and greenhouse management pursue work in this laboratory.
_Forcing-houses, barn, and fruticetum._--The glass structures
for the study of forcing crops such as flowers, vegetables, and
fruits cover an area of about 6,000 square feet, and are used in
connection with nearly all classes, though more especially associated
with floriculture and olericulture. One house is assigned to advanced
students for the working out of problems on which they are engaged.
Another house is given over to the study of the variation of plants and
the technique of plant-breeding.
The barn is headquarters for horticultural implements used in tilling,
pruning, and spraying trees and plants. The collection of spray
machinery, including gas engines, traction machines, and the like, is
full and complete. Thorough instruction is given in the control of
orchard enemies.
Aside from the ordinary equipment, the garden herbarium with more than
12,000 sheets is an important aid in the study of systematic pomology
and plant variation. There is also an exceptionally fine collection
of nearly 10,000 negatives illustrating all phases of fruit, flower,
and vegetable growing. This collection is being added to continually,
and furnishes a source for lantern slides to illustrate up-to-date
methods in the management of fruit plantations, the construction of
forcing-houses, and the growing of crops in field and under glass.
_Elementary pomology._--A study of the methods of propagation and
early care of bush and tree fruits; the principles and practice of
budding and grafting, with special attention to the particular method
of propagating each kind of fruit. Must be preceded by Botany 1 and 2.
Lectures and recitations with laboratory. The class will participate in
a required excursion to Geneva and vicinity.
Another class is held on this subject particularly adapted to the needs
of the special student, and not open to those who are required to take
Botany 1 and 2. The class will participate in a required excursion to
Geneva and vicinity.
_Practical pomology._--The study and practice of the planting,
fertilising, and care of orchards; picking, grading, packing and
marketing of fruits. Pre-requisites, Botany and Horticulture, and
taking Agricultural Botany. This class will participate in a required
excursion to the fruit-growing sections of Geneva and Rochester.
_Spraying of fruit trees._--A study of the preparation and
application of the different spray mixtures used in orchard and garden
practice. Lectures and recitations with laboratory.
_Greenhouse construction and management._--A study of the
principles of greenhouse construction. Laboratory work will consist of
the drawing and erection of sections illustrating the leading types of
greenhouses. Throughout the year.
_Olericulture._--- A study of the principles of vegetable
gardening with special reference to trucking, accompanied by field
practice in the actual growing of the plants.
_Garden and greenhouse practice._--Practical work in the
forcing-houses and gardens, with familiar talks. One or two hours by
appointment. Throughout the year. Limited to 12 students first term, 18
second term.
_Sub-tropical pomology._--A study of citrus, and other sub-tropical
fruits, with special reference to American conditions.
_Systematic pomology._--Advanced course in classification and
systematic study of fruits. Two hours.
_Literature of horticulture and landscape gardening._--An
examination of the writings of European and American authors, with
special reference to the evolution of horticultural methods. Open to
juniors and seniors, and required of graduates.
_Plant-breeding_, with special reference to the improvement of
orchard fruits. Juniors and seniors; required of graduates.
_German horticultural reading._--A study of periodical literature
relating to horticulture. Each student is required to subscribe for one
periodical and make translations from assigned paragraphs.
_French_ of the same character and conducted in the same way.
_Investigation_ incident to previous courses. For graduates and
advanced students.
_Seminary work for advanced students._--Required of graduates.
One hour. F., 2–4.30, every two weeks beginning the first week of
each term. On the alternate week students are required to attend the
Seminary in Plant Industry.
RURAL ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE
_Field engineering._--Lectures, recitations and practice in surveying
and plotting the farm; designing farm buildings, roads, fences, and
water supply; drainage and irrigation. Second half-year. Lectures and
practice.
_Farm machinery._--A study of the elements of mechanics and of machine
design entering into the construction of all machinery, followed by
a special study of:--(a) _Motors_, including steam boilers, gas and
steam engines, windmills, hydraulic rams, water wheels, and a brief
discussion of the laws and applications of electricity; (b) _Farm
Machinery_ for tillage, seeding, harvesting, threshing, cleaning, etc.,
with a discussion of the cost, life, draft, and special mechanical
features of some of the machines now on the market.
Opportunities will be afforded for special work in the second half-year.
RURAL ECONOMY AND SOCIOLOGY
_Rural economy._--A study of the economic problems of agriculture.
_Rural social conditions._--The social history, status and
progress of the rural community.
_History of agriculture._--An outline of the development of
agriculture in its more important phases.
RURAL ART
This is a two-year course comprising the junior and senior years of the
regular course in the College of Agriculture; and for those who have
attained a certain degree of proficiency graduate work is offered.
Previous to registering in this work the student must have completed
the requirements of the freshman and sophomore years, and the
following:--Elementary surveying, Lettering and making of titles,
Botany, Organography of ornamental plants, Elementary architecture.
Previous to graduation the student must have completed the following
subjects in addition to the regular work:--Dendrology, Economic
entomology, Greenhouse construction and management, Field engineering,
Municipal engineering, French or German horticultural reading.
_Theory and æsthetics of rural art and landscape design._--Deals
with the principles of landscape design, their application to specific
problems, together with discussions on the theory in all its points of
application.
_Landscape design._--First course. Work on practical problems in
design, paced and measured surveys, sketch plans, finished plans and
detailed working drawings with specifications. Short sketch problems
for study will be given from time to time. The aim is to familiarise
the student with the various types of plans as applied to different
problems. Practical problems in the vicinity will be studied, and
reports, both preliminary and final, will be required.
_Freehand sketching._--Sketching and rendering in various media of
indoor and outdoor subjects, plans, etc., particularly pertaining to
landscape design.
_History of landscape design._--A study of the chronological
development of the art of landscape gardening, its modifications
in various countries and the influences which have affected its
development. A full study of the three types of gardening--ancient,
mediæval and modern, and their relation to each other.
_Advanced problems and research in landscape design._--The more
complicated problems, such as country estates, parkways and civic
centres, are taken up and worked out in detail. Studies, reports, plans
of arrangement, rendered studies, detailed drawings, grade designs,
planting plans, total estimates of cost and a set of specifications are
worked out for two major problems. Minor problems and sketch problems
are required from time to time.
_Seminary._--A review of current literature and the discussion
of live questions relating to various phases of landscape work, and
reports on investigations. Required of seniors and graduates.
HOME ECONOMICS
Instruction will be given in home economics in 1907–8. Information
about this work may be had from the director of the College of
Agriculture, as the courses are not yet ready for scheduling.
DRAWING
_Applied drawing._--- Personal instruction in the solution of
particular problems and in fitting the student to pursue certain lines
of study to better advantage, or to enable him to become proficient in
a speciality.
WINTER COURSES IN HORTICULTURE
Each year since the establishment of the winter courses the demand
for special instruction in fruit-growing and gardening has increased.
The opportunities for profitable fruit-and vegetable-growing on the
comparatively cheap lands of the east and within easy reach of the
great markets, are attracting capital and energy. It is in response
to this general demand and these opportune conditions that a winter
course in horticulture is offered. The various studies included in this
course are intended to help the fruit-grower and gardener to manage his
orchards and gardens better than in the past; to fit those who have had
some experience for positions of responsibility; to give the beginner
the salient principles and acquaint him as far as possible with the
best practices of commercial and amateur fruit-growers and gardeners
the country over.
The entrance requirements to this course are the same as to the course
in general agriculture. Field experience will always enable the student
to get a maximum of benefit from a study of this kind.
The course is made up of lectures, recitations and practice, special
stress being laid on the last.
SPECIAL EXPENSES
General laboratory fee, $7.50; books, $5.00; work suit, $1.50.
All students in this course, except those who have previously completed
satisfactorily the winter course in general agriculture, are required
to take the subjects that follow. Those who complete the winter course
in general agriculture will not be required to take again subjects that
they have already passed. They should consult the professor in charge
concerning substitutes for any of the subjects. All students must
register with the Secretary of the College.
REQUIRED SUBJECTS
_Amateur and commercial fruit-growing._--A survey of the
principles and practices of fruit-growing with reference to orchard
management, handling, packing, storing, transplanting and marketing of
orchard products. Seven hours. Five hours of lectures a week and two
afternoons a week for practice.
_Vegetable culture._--Lectures and exercises on the growing and
marketing of vegetables for special and general market. Two hours.
_Farm Botany._--Four hours a week. Two lectures and two laboratory
periods.
_Fertility of the land._--Two hours.
There are thus fifteen hours a week of required work in this course.
Students may elect, with permission of the instructor concerned, three
hours a week additional by taking the following courses:--
ELECTIVE SUBJECTS
_Economic entomology._--One hour a week.
_Plant diseases._--Three hours. One hour lecture and two hours’
laboratory practice.
_Horticultural reading._--Assignment of topics for abstracts and
reports in standard works and current periodicals. One to three hours
by appointment.
_Floriculture and ornamental gardening._--Lectures and exercises
on the growing and marketing of greenhouse crops, and the principles of
lawn decoration. Two hours a week.
_Greenhouse practice._--In this course the student is assigned
specific pieces of work in the greenhouse to be performed under the
direction of the gardener. One hour a week.
EQUIPMENT
Practically the same facilities are available to the winter course
students as are offered the student in the regular course:--The
library, one of the best in the country; the material equipment of
the forcing-houses, including plants, work rooms, spray pumps and
implements, are all used in conducting the work of instruction.
Those who desire additional information should apply to
JOHN CRAIG, _Professor of Horticulture_.