SEED BEDS. 19 



from 3 to 5 feet wide. Having marked out 

 the position of the paths and while the line is 

 still stretched in place, proceed with a spade 

 to remove the soil from the paths and to dis- 

 tribute 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 very 

 slightly higher than the sides. This is of 

 great importance as it allows water to drain 

 oft' freely, for nothing is more detrimental to 

 good gardening than to have water lying in 

 pools on the beds. 



2. 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 anyone 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 18 inches long attached to each end. 

 It is well to have two lines, a long one for 

 laying out beds, paths and the like, and a 



