822 THE GARDEN. 



the thumb and finger. Do not be afraid of dirtying 

 your hands ; this weeding, though often rather back- 

 breaking and tiresome, and, withal, dirty work, is very 

 good exercise ; and delicate fingers may be protected by 

 a pair of gloves. The best time is early morning of a 

 summer day, say, from half past four to seven, on a 

 clear, bright morning ; one feels invigorated with the 

 fresh early air, charmed by the beauty of morning, and 

 really pities those who waste these, the best hours of 

 the day,^ in sleep. It is not well to weed at night, or 

 on a rainy or cloudy day, for there is no sun to kill the 

 weeds, which it is better to expose to the sun, that they 

 may be thoroughly killed ; pull them in -the morning, let 

 them lay during the day, and gather them up at night. 



It is poor gardening to cut off a weed just below the 

 level of the ground with a scuffle or weeding hoe, for 

 the root remains alive, gains strength, and often sends 

 up many shoots to trouble us again. In large gardens 

 a hoe must be used, for hand weeding is too laborious ; 

 but if we have time, use the thumb and finger. 



During the summer, the earth will need an occasional 

 stirring with the rake or hoe, especially if the summer 

 is dry, and may need the further attention of 



