JANUARY: THIRD WEEK 15 



apt to leave it in one form from the beginning to the end of 

 the season, will be a poor investment. There will be work 

 for each different attachment, and it is highly important 

 that all changes can be made with ease and dispatch. 



The machine should be easy to work. The type you will 

 find preferable will depend to a large extent upon the 

 character of your soil. Some people prefer the high-wheel 

 type, and others the low. In light, soft soil, where the 

 wheels are likely to sink in, the higher wheels work easier. 

 On the other hand, in rough or stony soil, it is more difficult 

 to work very close to small plants without cutting into the 

 row. Having both types of machines on hand, I use either 

 one or the other according to the work to be done; but if I 

 had to select a single machine, which is ample for a small 

 garden, my choice would largely depend on the character 

 of the soil. A third type has a frame that fits against the 

 body to make one's weight available in pushing it, but 

 except for plowing, or use in very heavy clay soil, this is of 

 negative advantage, as it adds to the weight and interferes 

 with the backward and forward stroke of the machine 

 which is used in most kinds of work. 



Efficient Use of the Wheel hoe 



While in the use of the wheel hoe, as in other arts, practice 

 only can make perfect, there are a few suggestions which 

 can be given which will help the beginner to become profi- 

 cient. First of all, find a place to keep the machine and all 

 its attachments where it is perfectly dry, and safe from 

 promiscuous borrowers. Keep the axles and working parts 

 of the seed drill well supplied with oil, and occasionally put 

 a few drops of kerosene on the bolt and nut threads to keep 

 them bright and working easily. Take pains to select the 

 attachments best suited to the particular job you are going 

 to do. Take time, after you have the right attachment, to 

 get it adjusted just right: this is of the greatest importance 

 and many people are not careful in this respect. 



Unless the ground is so wet that it should not be worked, 



