l6 HINTS AND HELPS 



rows. The soil mulch consists of a soft loose condition of 

 the top soil. It should be two to three inches deep. The 

 weeder is used about the plants and between them, where 

 there is not room for the hoe. 



All weeds near the plants should he pulled. A weed is 

 a plant that persists in growing where it is not wanted. 

 // is a robber. It robs the rightful plants of moisture and food 

 and will even kill them. Weeds are best killed, when first 

 germinated. Never allow them to grow. 



HOW TO SPADE. 



The Spade, is a tool made to pry with, to dig up the 

 land. It differs from the shovel as it is made of heavier 

 material, both the blade and handle. A shovel is used 

 principally for digging loose material and is not supposed 

 to be used for prying. The blade of the spade is made 

 narrower than the shovel blade, so that it will enter the 

 ground more easily. The blade is also flatter and not as 

 "dishing" as the shovel for the same reason. It is not 

 made for shoveling or digging loose soil but for digging 

 hard ground. Where the ground is not too hard the spad- 

 ing fork is superior to the spade as it is lighter and the 

 ground can be spaded faster. 



In spading, begin in one corner of the plot with the 

 back to the plot. Grasp the top of the handle with the 

 right hand, press the blade of the spade or fork vertically 

 down to its full extent with the foot working the handle 

 a little if necessary where the ground is excessively hard 

 or stony. Then carry the top of the handle backward and 

 downward near the ground, at the same time carry the left 

 hand down the handle and when at a point about one foot 

 from the blade, lift up the spade and soil; turn it over, 

 throwing it slightly forward to leave a furrow. Keep the 

 back as straight as possible and do the lifting with the legs. 

 Continue working along the end of the plot to be spaded. 

 When across the end, spade back again, taking a slice from 

 five to ten inches wide. When the spade-full of soil is 

 turned over, it should be given a little throw and hit with 

 the spade or fork to break it up. If the spading is done 



