Referring again to the overtime movement, and whilst all must admit that there is room for an emancipation bill on behalf of young gardeners, still a little allowance must be made for circumstances. All gardeners are not situated alike as regards assistance and the freedom of their employer's purse. We are well aware there are those who exact exorbitant demands of their men, who could remedy the evil if they only wished to do so by remonstrating with their employer or his representative. But, on the other hand, there are those who are restricted almost to a shilling; and we are inclined to think that were "An Old Gardener" placed in such a position, he would endeavour to make his best of it, like other folks. "We have had charge of houses under three different masters, and in each case we were obliged to work in the evenings to keep the work in advance. We think there is no department of any garden establishment in so much need of reform. Imagine a foreman and his men toiling late and early all the late spring and early summer months, and perhaps his best man turned out upon the walls to nail, in the winter, so that inside work in a good many second and third class places is nothing short of a continual drag all the year! Before closing our remarks, we shall presume to ask "An Old Gardener" one question.

We shall suppose him a young gardener waiting a foreman's situation in a nursery. The nurseryman hears of a situation likely to suit him; all arrangements are made between him and his new master; he is to have the entire responsibility of the houses, with two or three to assist: but, as the busy season arrives, he finds his hands inadequate to fulfil the duties for which he was engaged within the recognised working hours. The work falls behind-hand every day, and at last he doesn't know which end to begin at. We think it a more cheerful method to keep the work in advance (even without compensation). We have spent many a pleasant evening in a Vinery or Peach-house of our own option. In our article on the Balsam, we laid no emphasis on things as they should be, but on the state of things which really exist. A gardener who occupies any position of importance can compensate his men threefold by using his influence in finding them situations, instead of allowing their names to drop into oblivion, as though they might be numbered with the things that were. We felt deeply annoyed that "An Old Gardener" misunderstood us over the shake of the hand and the certificate. That clause or sentence was more meant for the old gardeners than the young ones.

We have known several such cases, but have always looked upon them as ungenerous. In conclusion, allow us to thank "An Old Gardener" for his criticism, and his very high opinion of our style of men. In our present situation we have got to work almost as hard as those under us. Should we ever be elevated to a position of more importance, it is to be hoped we shall endeavour to treat others as we would they should do unto us. Wm. Hinds.

[Working of your own accord and pleasure is a different thing from being requested and expected to work overtime and receiving no remuneration. - Ed].