32 FARM-GARDENING AND SEED-GROAV1NG. 



taining holes nicely graded as to size, and directions for 

 setting to sow the different seeds accompany each ma- 

 chine; but as " circumstances alter cases," it is best not 

 to pay too much attention to these instructions. 



The best way is, to spread a cloth and sow some seed 

 on it, varying the grade to suit the seed and the quantity 

 required. All sticks and chaff should be removed from 

 seed before sowing it by machine. 



Forks. The most convenient fork for handling manure 

 is one that is light, though it must be strong. When a 

 fork is used to separate stalks from seed after thrashing, 

 one with very few tines should be used, that the seed may 

 be thoroughly shaken out, but it is advisable to do this 

 work by the hands alone. 



Shears* The spring shears, such as are used for prun- 

 ing, are very useful for cutting seed-stalks, and are far 

 preferable to a knife. Sickles make quicker work than 

 shears in cutting the stalks of cabbage or turnip seed, 

 but there is more jar, which causes some loss of seed, and 

 upon the whole shears may be considered the best imple- 

 ment for cutting seeds. 



Trowel, This is an important implement in lifting 

 plants, when a ball of earth is required, attached to the 

 roots. It is also useful in taking up dry onions, especially 

 " sets," and very handy to assist in transplanting egg- 

 plants, tomatoes, etc., which are taken up with balls of 

 earth. 



Straw Mats* These are very useful for protecting hot- 

 beds and cold-frames, and covering onions, onion sets, etc. 



The usual size is five by seven feet. To make them, 

 erect a frame in the market-house, or some out-building, 

 using for the sides common boards set edgewise against 

 the wall or partition, with a piece of joist at the top and 

 one near the floor at the bottom. 



The frame should be five feet wide, and in hight from 



