242 



ON THE PICKFORK. 



In the ninth month, after tlie period choang-kiang (after the 

 2nd of October), the seeds are collected and dried in the sun ; 

 they are then mixed with damp sand, and put in a bamboo 

 basket, carefully covered with straw. This precaution is needed, 

 for if the seeds are frozen they will not grow. The seeds of the 

 lateral shoots are not fit for sowing. Before sowing, the seeds 

 are thrown into water, and those that sink are used, while the 

 others are of no use. 



Same work, fol. 4. 



The seeds are sown before the first half of the first month. 

 The best seeds are those which are spotted black. After they 

 are sown they are covered with ashes. If they are sown thick 

 the plants coming from them will be weak and sickly ; they will 

 be strong and healthy, on the contrary, if the seeds are thinly 

 sown. As soon as the leaves appear the plants are watered with 

 liquid manure. In the seventh month the seeds are collected, 

 put on canvas, and hung in a strong current of air ; this aids 

 and hastens germination. 



XXVIII.— On the Pickfork. By R. Glendinning, F.H.S. 



(Received August 10, 1849.) 



Amongst the many implements lately brought into notice for the 

 purpose of cultivating the garden, the 

 one here represented is not likely so 

 soon to be cast aside as others of 

 greater pretensions. There is little 

 merit to claim in the invention of an 

 implement so simple, beyond its great 

 utility. For upwards of six years I 

 have had this tool in use in my grounds, 

 and so important has it become, that 

 in consequence of the peculiar nature 

 of our soil, which can only be acted 

 upon with any degree of success or 

 advantage wiien brought into condi- 

 tion by atmospheric influences, every 

 favourable opportunity is seized to 

 bring it into full play ; and I presume 

 it will be readily conceded that such an 

 implement in the hands of a stout, 

 athletic workman must produce other 



and better results than the common hoe, so generally in use in our 



