THE UNITED STATES
The conditions under which women work in America are very unlike those that exist in England. Schools and colleges are founded upon a different basis; therefore work done in America cannot be strictly compared to that done in England.
Each of the forty-five states in the United States has a college of agriculture. These institutions are supported by public funds. They are open to men and women alike, and both work together. That is to say, these institutions are co-educational. These colleges cover the general field of agriculture, and, in some, horticultural work is especially well developed. Women in these institutions may take a variety of subjects, or they may specialise in horticulture, dairying, home economics, Nature-study.
A number of Government research posts in natural history are held by women. They are also admitted to the instructional bodies of several American Co-educational Colleges. A considerable number of the Doctors’ theses in botany from the University of Chicago are by women, and can be seen in the Botanical Gazette. A notable thesis of late years is that by Mrs. Clements, of the University of Nebraska.
Popular attention is turned increasingly to outdoor life and to living on the land, and the demand for horticultural schools will continue and ensure their establishment.
An expert tells me there is a wide field for women in horticulture in America. Positions as teachers, lecturers, gardeners in private gardens, consulting gardeners in suburban districts, market gardeners, fruit and nut growers, poultry and bee keepers are open. The only difficulty is that the right people are not at hand to fill them. The oversight of school gardens and of vacant lot cultivation in the great cities are openings appealing especially to women. Already there are some successful landscape gardeners. Miss Beatrice Jones, of New York City, and Miss Elizabeth Lee, of Philadelphia, are well known in this branch.