10 STIRRING THE SOIL. [CHAP. L 



contained in the barrow ; particularly if the 

 handles be long, curved, and thrown up as high 



FIO. 1. lady's wheel-barrow. 



as possible, in order to let the weight rest prin- 

 cipally upon the wheel, without obliging the 

 operator to bend forward. When, on the con- 

 trary, the handles are short and straight, the 

 weight is thrown principally on the arms of the 

 operator, and much more strength is required 

 to move the load, besides the inconvenience of 

 stooping. 



All the necessary implements for digging 

 being provided, the next thing to be con- 

 sidered is, the easiest manner of performing the 

 operation. The usual way is for the gardener 

 to thrust his spade perpendicularly into the 

 ground, and then, using the handle as a lever, 

 to draw it back so as to raise the whole mass 

 of earth in front of the spade at once. This 

 requires great strength : but by inserting the 

 spade in a slanting direction, and throwing the 

 body slightly forward at the same time, the 

 mass of earth to be raised will not only be 

 much less, but the body of the operator will be 

 in a much more convenient position for raising 



