PRELIMINARY CONSIDERATIONS 21 



ing weeds and slicing the surface of the ground. Both 

 must be provided with long handles. 



For working the surface of the ground into a fine 

 condition, preparatory to seed sowing, a ten-prong iron 

 rake is a useful article. A shorter handle is required for 

 the rake than the hoe. 



A hand trowel and/o?& are necessary for a multitude 

 of purposes. We must select specimens that have the 

 wooden handles firmly fixed and the metal portions in 

 one piece. 



Less necessary but yet highly useful is a wheelbarrow 

 for carting soil, manure, and produce from one part of 

 the ground to another. The metal varieties are best but 

 more costly and noisy than the wooden ones. Which- 

 ever kind is purchased it should not be left standing 

 from day to day in the open. This is an article which 

 allotment-holders might well secure on co-operative lines. 



Galvanized zinc water cans are far preferable to the 

 painted kinds. They are more expensive, it is true, but 

 last much longer and stand rougher usage. The three- 

 gallon size is probably the most serviceable. The rose 

 must be capable of being unscrewed, for we require it on 

 when watering in the usual way and off when giving 

 supplies of liquid manure. 



It is impossible to do without a guide-line when 

 planting seedlings or sowing seeds in drills. This useful 

 article may be made at home by cutting off two one-foot 

 lengths from an old broom handle, sharpening an end of 

 each and joining the two by means of twenty feet of 

 stout twine, not rope. 



A lath for measuring is also necessary. A long pea- 

 stick, marked off in half feet, will serve admirablv. 



