COST OF EQUIPMENT 



when hoeing from the center of a bed towards 

 one's self; unhoed portions are frequently cov- 

 ered by the forward pull of the loosened earth. 



In any kind of garden, beds are seldom over 

 10 feet wide, a measure that gives an adult an 

 easy reach in hoeing from either edge to the center 

 and in raking from the center to the edge. This 

 avoids stepping into the bed or upon the loose 

 earth. (Where much hand weeding has to be 

 done, six feet in width is better.) There should 

 be no trampling of spaded earth or mulch. Rak- 

 ing should break the coarser lumps and leave an 

 even, level surface. If necessary, trampling must 

 be avoided by spading or hoeing in sections of a 

 width within easy arm's reach. Follow this by 

 raking the same area and, that section completed, 

 a new one may be begun. In all three operations, 

 hoeing, raking, spading, the work should be done 

 in straight, even lines so that if obliged to leave 

 it suddenly, it will be completed up to the point 

 where left and present a tidy, finished appearance. 

 Section work gives an opportunity for division 

 of labor among groups of children using different 

 tools. Let one gang under their appointed or 

 chosen leader follow the other, as in. clearing a 

 lot, spading and raking it. 



Spading should be done properly. It then 

 cannot harm, and will delight, the children. Even 

 the smaller ones should be allowed just a few 

 moments of it. But care must be exercised to 

 see that children do not reach the fatigue point 

 " 139 



