58 



MY GARDEN. 



which is like a pickaxe, but has a flattened transverse cutting edge 

 at one end, and at the other an edge set in the opposite direction, 

 and this is an instrument of great utility where large and strong 

 roots abound. We also frequently have to use a heavy pointed iron 

 bar for making holes in which it is desirable to insert stakes. 



The hoe (fig. 51) is employed to destroy weeds and to let the air 

 and dews into the ground. The amount of crop very much depends 

 upon whether the hoe is hung up in the shed or employed on the 

 garden. It pays well to wear out the hoe by fair use. An instru- 

 ment called the Dutch hoe (fig. 52) is valuable in hot weather when 



J 



Fig. si. 



Fig. S3. 



Fig. 52. 



weeds grow fast, as a labourer can run it over the whole garden 

 in a few hours, when every weed may be cut down to perish in the 

 hot sun. Except for this purpose, it is an inferior instrument to the 

 common hoe. 



We employ rakes (fig. 53) rather more for ornamental than for 



Fig. s4- 



Fig. 55. 



really useful purposes, as undoubtedly for most crops the ground is 

 better left moderately rough, by which the roots are better aerated- 

 In a garden like mine, where alterations are constantly progressing, 



