A WORD FOR GOOD TOOLS 79 



hoes, one dozen rakes, and for each pupil a weeder, a spoon, 

 and a skewer. The small kit consisting of these last three 

 articles should always be at hand, because there is no time 

 during the entire season when these tools will not be needed 

 for keeping the land cultivated and for stirring the soil around 

 the plants. The skewer does the work of a dibble ; the trowel 

 is wanted when a generous supply of earth is to be kept 

 around the roots, and can be deftly applied to the ground 

 near the stalk of the plant without disturbing it too much. 

 Of course other tools could be added, like the spray pump, 

 which would be very desirable. The entire cost of this outfit 

 will come well within thirty dollars. 



On the same basis that textbooks and stationery are sup- 

 plied to schools for indoor studies, this modest equipment 

 should be furnished for the outdoor laboratory. In neighbor- 

 hoods where a number of home gardens are carried on, some 

 of the more expensive tools can be owned in partnership. 

 It will be found that cooperation for the purchase of tools 

 and seeds, as well as for the disposal of produce, is for the 

 advantage of everybody. 



Beware of yielding to the temptation of investing in cheap 

 or toy tools. They are very attractive, but they break easily, 

 and such an outlay of money is simply thrown away ; there- 

 fore go in for a better grade. Strong, honestly made tools, if 

 well cared for, will last for several seasons. Proper care of 

 them means that they must be thoroughly wiped when put 

 away, to prevent rust. Every now and then they should be 

 rubbed up with a cloth dipped in kerosene. A gardener is 

 known by the tools he keeps ; indeed, any true gardener hates 

 badly kept tools. He will take pride, too, in the appearance 

 of his tool room ; to preserve good order, therefore, shelves 

 may be put up for holding the smaller articles, while the large 

 ones hang from pegs on the wall. Some schools recommend 



