Implements 



41 



Another class of garden implements are those 

 used in pruning — ^but where this is attended to prop- 

 erly from the start, a good sharp jack-knife and a 

 pair of pruning shears (the English makes are the 

 best, as they are in some things, when we are frank 

 enough to confess the truth) will easily handle all 

 the work of the kind necessary. 



Still another sort of garden device is that used 

 for supporting the plants; such as stakes, trellises, 

 wires, etc. Altogether too little attention usually is 

 given these, as with proper care in storing over win- 

 ter they will not only last for years, but add greatly 

 to the convenience of cultivation and to the neat 

 appearance of the garden. Various contrivances are 

 illustrated in the seed catalogues, and many may be 

 home-made — such as the stake-trellis for supporting 

 beans, illustrated facing p. 106. 



As a final word to the intending purchaser of gar- 

 den tools, I would say : first thoroughly investigate 

 the different sorts available, and when buying, do 

 not forget that a good tool or a well-made machine 

 will be giving you satisfactory use long, long after 

 the price is forgotten, while a poor one is a constant . 

 source of discomfort. Get good tools, and take 

 good care of them. And let me repeat that a few 

 dollars a year, judiciously spent, for tools afterward 

 well cared for, will soon give you a very complete 

 set, and add to your garden profit and pleasure. 



