18 NATURE TEACHING 



preparation of a seed bed requires some care. Select a 

 spot, sheltered as much as possible from the sun and 

 wind, and near the water supply ; remove all the weeds 

 and fork the ground to a good depth. Mark out, by 

 means of a line (see below), the paths which shall 

 separate the beds ; these paths should be about 2 feet 

 wide, while the beds themselves should be from 3 to 5 

 feet wide. Having marked out the position of the paths, 

 and while the line is still stretched in place, remove 

 with a spade the soil from the paths and distribute it 

 evenly over the beds. If this is properly done the paths 

 should now be about 6 or 8 inches below the level of 

 the beds. Remove all stones with a rake, and so make 

 up the beds that the centre of each is slightly higher 

 than the sides. This is of great importance, as it allows 

 water to drain off freely, for nothing is more detrimental 

 to good gardening than to have water lying in pools on 

 the beds. 



When working on a garden bed avoid walking upon 

 it When weeding or planting, it is often necessary to 

 place the foot upon a bed in order to reach a 

 particular spot ; in this case use a foot-board, which is 

 simply a narrow piece of board which can be laid across 

 the bed, and upon this only should any one be permitted 

 to place his foot when working. Another appliance in 

 frequent use is a line for marking. A line consists of a 

 length of moderately stout cord having a pointed stake 

 about 1 8 inches long attached to each end. It is well 

 to have two lines a long one for laying out beds, 

 paths, etc., and a short one for working across beds. 

 After use, lines should always be neatly wrapped 



