There are those who protest that they look upon gardening as a hobby—not with an eye of joyous anticipation for the fruits of their labour, but simply as a pastime : they have warped minds. The aim of work is to produce something one can enjoy, to effect something desirable ; and muddy shoes, grimed hands and an aching back are neither good nor profitable. The result of such labour is a spick and span floral display that one is invited to admire but not to enjoy : and such toilers who chance to be dog-lovers as well grow almost demented when a lively terrier goes about his ‘ lawful occasions ’ of digging. And as likely as not they work on a formal plan, and produce an exhibition. of colours and shapes such as skilled window dressers effect in London shops. The only delight I can imagine in a garden like, that is to pretend one is back in the eighteenth century, being cavalier and subtly artificial.

One ought to feel immediately at home in a garden, and what Beau was ever at home ?