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.