AMONG SCHOOL GARDENS 



to the number of parts. Number all tools so as 

 to keep track of them and of the care the children 

 give them. 



In regard to care of tools, every one should be 

 returned to the toolhouse dry and clean. Ihe 

 loose dirt should be wiped off with an old cloth, 

 or better, with a strong brush such as plumbers 

 use. Every particle of dirt between the tines of a 

 fork, the teeth of a rake, along the grooves on the 

 back of the spade, as well as on the handles should 

 be removed. In the fall, before putting them 

 away, any rust should be cleaned oif with emery, 

 all handles oiled, and iron parts thoroughly wiped 

 with a cloth smeared with tallow. The tools 

 should then be put away in a dry place for the 

 winter. Linseed oil on handles keeps them mois- 

 ture proof and smooth so that they will not dry 

 out and splinter. The tallow prevents rusting 

 of the metal parts. 



The illustration opposite page 171 shows the 

 position of the rake in use. Such grasp of the tool 

 calls into play the most strength with the least 

 effort and avoids fatigue. In hoeing, the un- 

 loosened ground should be attacked from the edge 

 nearest the worker, who should stand in the 

 path. The reason for this is that in so working 

 each stroke cuts a clear, clean slice off the ground 

 in front of the worker leaving a clearly defined 

 line between the soft earth that has been hoed 

 and the hard, unloosened soil. Then there is no 

 danger of skipping parts of the ground as there is 



138 



