20 GROW YOUR OWN VEGETABLES 



Obviously the thing to do is to reject a spade without 

 the platform and select one with it. At the time of 

 buying it will be well to get the dealer to put a slight edge 

 on the blade it should be ground from the back for this 

 will make digging much easier than if the edge is blunt. 



Much that has been said of the spade applies with 

 equal force to the fork. Of this implement there are 

 many patterns, the differences lying chiefly in the shape 

 of the prongs. For general work a border fork, as it is 

 described, in the catalogues, with four oval prongs, is the 

 most serviceable article. The kinds known as digging 

 forks, though ours will be required for digging, are too 

 un wieldly unless we are possessed of unlimited muscle. 

 A potato fork with flat prongs, though very useful when 

 a great number of tubers have to be dug, is more of a 

 luxury than a necessity. 



We must not begrudge paying enough to procure a 

 good article when buying either a fork or a spade, for one, 

 well made, costs less than two, poorly made, and lasts 

 longer. 



Both these implements can prove a source of much 

 danger if not carefully handled. During the intervals 

 between use, they should be forced into the soil or placed 

 on the ground so that the edge of the blade or the tips 

 of the prongs are not pointing upwards. When not in 

 use they should be housed where children cannot get 

 to them. 



Next comes the hoe. Two of these will be required ; 

 one, with the metal face almost at right angles to the 

 handle, is useful for earthing-up, drawing drills, and 

 dragging weeds towards us, and the other, a Dutch hoe, 

 which is worked with a pushing action, serves for uproot- 



