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.