6. German Gardening, as a Science, and as to the Authors it has produced
407. The Germans are a scientific people: they are a reading people; and, in consequence, the science of every art, in so far as developed in books, is more generally known there than in any other country. Some may wish to except Scotland; but, though the Scotch artisan reads a great deal, his local situation and limited intercourse with other nations subject him to the influence of the particular opinions in which he has been educated: he takes up prejudices at an early period, and with difficulty admits new ideas from books. On the other hand, the Germans of every rank are remarkable for liberality of opinion: all of them travel; and, in the course of seeing other states, they find a variety of practices and opinions, different from those to which they have been accustomed: prejudice gives way; the man is neutralised; becomes moderate in estimating what belongs to himself, and willing to hear and to learn from others.
