Horticultural Implements, Appliances, etc. 375 



ordinary flat spring previously adopted. The inventor was led to 

 devise this kind of spring in order to avoid the annoyance arising 

 from the frequent breakage of the form 

 usually employed. It is said tliat this forni 

 of spring secures an easy and gentle action 

 of the instrument, and has the advantage 

 of lasting longer than others, from not 

 being so liable to break, while it secures 

 a firmness and evenness in working which 

 is not otherwise attained. A further im- 

 provement is pointed out in the fastening, 

 which consists of a stop which catches 

 when the two handles are drawn together, 

 a projecting portion on the outside acting 

 as a spring which is to be pressed when 

 tlie instrument is required to be opened. 

 M. Lecointe of Laigle is the inventor. 



Fig. 89 represents the secateur of older 

 date than the preceding, and one more 



generally used. It is much employed at Montreuil. There can 

 be no doubt that where much pruning of any kind is done, and 

 particularly pruning of a rather rough nature, 

 the secateur is a valuable implement. It was .1 



first invented by M. Bertrand of Molleville. n 



The Raidisseuk. — This is the name for 

 the little tightening, straightening machine, 

 which plays such a very important part in the 

 wiring of garden walls, or erecting of trellises 

 for fruit-growing in France. It is an imple- 

 ment which, though insignificant in itself, is 

 calculated to make a vast improvement in our 

 gardens and on our walls. It will save labour, 

 time, expense, and make walls, permanent 

 trellises, &c., infinitely more agreeable to the eye and useful to 



