294 THE SCHOOL GARDEN. 



The artificial germination of seeds sown in the plots, 

 water and pot cultures of the same, with a study of the 

 progress of growth, the estimating of seeds required per 

 acre, and the yield per acre of any particular crop, also 

 serve to show how the work of the garden may be trans- 

 ferred to the schoolroom, when the weather makes outdoor 

 work impossible, and how it may be linked to other school 

 subjects. 



Since garden operations are so dependent on the weather 

 it is found impossible to adhere rigidly to a time-table as 

 in the case of indoor subjects. Teachers are allowed con- 

 siderable liberty in this respect. 



Equipment and Annual Upkeep. 



The initial equipment of a school garden embraces 



(1) A set of tools for each pupil consisting of a spade, 

 fork, rake, Dutch hoe, draw hoe, trowel and dibber, at an 

 approximate cost of 8s. to 10s. per pupil. 



(2) A tool -shed to cost from =3 to <5. 



(3) A barrow, two watering-cans, lines, etc., to cost 

 15s. 



(4) Fencing to cost from 2 to d3. 



(5) Assistance in the heavier work of laying out the 

 garden to cost <!. 



The total initial cost of a garden thus equipped for a 

 class of twenty boys is about d18. 



The annual upkeep including seeds, manures, rent, etc., 

 of such a garden seldom exceeds c3. 



In England, where the County is the Educational autho- 

 rity, tools are supplied free. The pupils are taught to take 

 every care of these, and an inspection of tools is made from 

 time to time by a County Official. Where there is a work- 

 shop in connection with the school the boys make many 

 useful articles for the garden and also repair their tools. 



