GARDEN MANAGEMENT 303 



edges. Tread down everything that you bring there ; thus 

 it will not blow away, and will rot the sooner. When grass 

 or weeds sprout in the pile, take the fork and turn them under. 

 Finally, in the garden itself keep the plants in good order by 

 supporting those that need it. For this you will need a supply 

 of stakes, string, and wire. Set in all supports straight and 

 firm, train the plants over them, and tie neatly. The string 

 had best be the brown jute which can be bought in various 

 thicknesses and cheaply; it lasts very well, and is soft. 

 White string is too conspicuous. Raffia will do very well for 

 tying ; for those who are very particular it can be bought 

 or dyed green. Much can be learned of the character of a 

 gardener by noticing how he has made a string trellis for his 

 beans, or has tied up his roses. 



The daily work of all this is not great. The reward comes 

 from the full baskets brought to the house, or in the rest- 

 ful moments when one straightens from work, and looks 

 about on the thriving plants. But perhaps the best of it is 

 to walk in the garden "in the cool of the day," looking re- 

 flectively about, planning, enjoying, perhaps helping a plant 

 or pulling a weed, and seeing that the work of our hands is 

 good. 



Review Questions 



1. Why not let the weeds grow as they wish ? 



2. How, without water, can we best bring the garden through a 

 drought ? How with water ? 



3. How do you pick vegetables ? Flowers ? Why not let vege- 

 tables grow to their greatest size ? 



4. What watch do you keep against plant enemies ? How often 

 do you spray your potatoes ? 



5. What is a cover-crop ? What is its value ? 



6. What do you do to keep your garden tidy ? 



