CHAPTER XIX 



SUPPLY OF TOOLS, ETC. 



Necessity of Good Tools. 



I AM well aware of the fact that I cannot do adequate justice 

 to the title subjects of the various chapters in the space 

 at command, but I hope to touch on the more important 

 items, and to engender a craving for more knowledge, 

 which may be secured by speculating in works devoted 

 especially to certain departments, according to the tastes 

 and natural inclinations of the reader. Dispensing with 

 further prelude, I proceed. 



That tools are required is axiomatic ; that good tools 

 are also necessary will also be generally admitted. This 

 being so, I would urge on all those who seriously intend 

 taking up gardening for a hobby, or for the praiseworthy 

 purpose of providing themselves and families with a whole- 

 some supply of fruit and vegetables, to see to it that 

 the machinery, so to speak, is in proper working order. 

 The old saying has it that a bad workman always quarrels 

 with his tools. This is not to be disputed; but it is 

 likewise true that a good workman and a bad tool 

 cannot long exist together. Try to dig ground with a 

 healthy intention but a rusty spade ; the goodness of the 

 intention will quickly disappear, and you will be peril- 

 158 



