44 MY SUMMER IN A GARDEN. 



an inverted flower-pot, while I hoe, some 

 what destroys the practical value of her 

 testimony. 



As to this hoe, I do not mind saying 

 that it has changed my view of the 

 desirableness and value of human life. 

 It has, in fact, made life a holiday to 

 me. It is made on the principle that 

 man is an upright, sensible, reasonable 

 being, and not a grovelling wretch. It 

 does away with the necessity of the 

 hinge in the back. The handle is seven 

 and a half feet long. There are two 

 narrow blades, sharp on both edges, 

 which come together at an obtuse angle 

 in front; and as you walk along with 

 this hoe before you, pushing and pulling 

 with a gentle motion, the weeds fall 

 at every thrust and withdrawal, and 

 the slaughter is immediate and wide 

 spread. When I got this hoe, I was 

 troubled with sleepless mornings, pains 



