4io 



GARDEN FARMING 



most part the beds are thrown up by horse power, and the seed 

 is sown by specially constructed seed drills (see figure 151) ar- 

 ranged to sow the desired number of rows. The quantity of seed 

 used varies from 15 to 25 pounds per acre. The fertilizer is also 

 distributed by a machine arranged to scatter it either broadcast or 

 along the rows (see figure 152). The quantity varies from 500 to 

 1500 pounds with the condition of the soil, and applications are 

 made from time to time as the condition of the crop requires. 



FIG. 153. Thinning, or "spooning out," spinach 



Thinning. After the young plants are well up and have the first 

 pair of true leaves, the beds are gone over and thinned the same 

 as are beets. This operation is accomplished by the use of a large 

 iron spoon, as shown in figure 153, and is called spooning out. 

 The work is chiefly done by women and children on a piecework 

 basis charging a given amount per 100 yards of bed. 



Cultivation. Cultivation is accomplished either by horse power, 

 as shown in figure 154, or by the use of the hand hoe. The crop 

 is carefully studied and is cultivated or fertilized according as its 

 behavior demands. 



