CHAP. I.] RAKING. 19 



but if a tree be cut through at this vital part it 

 never can recover. 



A trowel is another instrument used in stir- 

 ring the soil, but of course it can onlv be em- 

 ployed in boxes of earth in balconies, fcc. ; or 

 in large pots, or tubs. 



Raking is useful in smoothing the soil after 

 digging; and in collecting weeds, stones, <fcc, 

 and dragging them to one side, whence they 

 may be easily removed. An iron-toothed rake 

 is generally used for the ground, and a wooden 

 one for collecting grass after mowing. When 

 it is wished that the teeth of the rake should 

 enter the soil, the handle should be held low ; 

 but if the object be only the. collection of grass 

 or weeds, the handle should be held high. 

 Dry weather is essential to raking the ground, 

 as the principal use of the operation is to break 

 the clods left by the spade; but raking to- 

 gether grass or weeds may be performed in wet 

 weather. 



The degree of strength required for raking 

 depends partly upon the breadth of the head 

 of the rake, and the number of its teeth, but 

 principally upon the manner of holding it. If 

 the rake be held low, it is obvious that greater 

 strength will be required to drag it through the 

 ground, than if it be held high, in which case 

 very little labour will be required to overcome 

 the resistance it will meet with. 



c2 



