W. C. C.; on this subject we find a quotation from George Glenny, in the Cottage Gardener, which may partly apply to your query. It is from "The New Principles of Gardening," by Batty Langley published in 1727. There was no doubt as much ground of complaint in old times as now. Batty says: "I cannot well conclude this section without taking notice of the great happiness a gentleman possesses when he is so well fixed with a skilful, industrious gardener, by whose judgment and care he is daily enjoying the pleasures and advantages of the best fruits, herbs, salads, etc., in the greatest perfection, which recompense is all as can be received for the expenses and labors thereof And on the other hand, how unhappy it is for a gentleman to have an unskilful person descended from the tail of a coach, stable, etc., who taking upon him, first a blue apron, and then the name of a gardener, assumes the government of choice trees committed to his care, because he has been much acquainted with cleaning knives, sweeping stables, etc., which he thinks are necessary towards their pruning, as well as making hotbeds, etc., without considering that those trees and plants were obtained with much labor, long time, and great expense, which by his unskilful hand shall in one or two years' time be totally ruined, to the great loss of his master, and his eternal shame.

I say where misfortunes of this nature happen, which is too frequent, 'tis a very great loss and disappointment, and a crime unpardonable; arid therefore I cannot but take the liberty to say, that a good gardener deserves a much greater respect and encouragement than that of stewards, butlers, etc., who oftentimes undeservedly possess a much larger share thereof".