368 COLD FRAMES. — TOOLS. 



COLD FEAMES. 



These are the same frames and sash as have been already 

 described, placed upon a bed of soil, but without any manure or 

 heating material beneath. All the heat, in this case, is obtained 

 from the sun, which, being confined and the air excluded, soon 

 warms the soil to a considerable degree. They are very useful 

 in protecting nearly hardy plants during the winter and early 

 spring, and in giving them a gentle warmth above that of the 

 outside atmosphere. 



TOOLS. 



Of ploughs and harrows, and cultivators, spades and shovels^ 

 it is not necessary to speak, but there are a few garden imple- 

 ments that are not as genei-ally employed as their utility 

 deserves. 



The Steel Eake is the best instrument for destroying very 

 young weeds in a wholesale way. It can be had of many sizes, 

 varying from eight to twenty inches in width. Two or three 

 days after planting, the ground shoidd be raked over with the 

 steel rake ; this loosens the surface, and destroys imtold numbers 

 of sprouting weeds. In about a week after, the raking should be 

 repeated, and as the weeds wiU then be just starting again^ 

 another crop of them will be destroyed. It is quicker done than 

 to go over the ground with the hoe, and more effectual. 



The Scuffle Hoe is the best form of hoe for working 

 "between narrow rows when the plants are small. They can be 

 had of varying widths, and should be about three inches 

 narrower than the space between the rows. 



The Digging Fork is a better instrument than the spade 

 for loosening up and turning over the soil. It enters the ground 

 more easily, and the soil is pulverized better by striking it 

 with the back of the fork, when turned over, than can be don© 

 with the spade- 



