E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Adam’s Profession.
Gardening, agriculture. Adam was appointed by God to dress the garden of Eden, and to keep it (Gen. ii. 15); and after the fall he was sent out of the garden “to till the ground” (Gen. iii. 23).
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“There is no ancient gentlemen, but gardeners, ditchers, and grave-makers; they hold up Adam’s profession.”—The Clown in “Hamlet,” v. 1.
