Implements 



31 



plishing results. There is nothing in the way of 

 expense to prevent even the most modest gardener 

 acquiring, during a few years, by the judicious ex- 

 penditure of but a few dollars annually, a very com- 

 plete outfit of tools that will handsomely repay their 

 cost. 



While some garden tools have been improved and 

 developed out of all resemblance to their original 

 forms, others have changed little in generations, and 

 in probability will remain ever with us. There is a 

 thing or two to say about even the simplest of them, 

 however, — especially to anyone not familiar with 

 their uses. 



There are tools for use in every phase of horticul- 

 tural operations; for preparing the ground, for 

 planting the seed, for cultivation, for protecting 

 crops from insects and disease, and for harvesting. 



First of all comes the ancient and honorable spade, 

 which, for small garden plots, borders, beds, etc., 

 must still be relied upon for the initial operation in 

 gardening — ^breaking up the soil. There are several 

 types, but any will answer the purpose. In buying 

 a spade look out for two things : see that it is well 

 strapped up the handle in front and back, and that it 

 hangs well. In spading up ground, especially soil 

 that is turfy or hard, the work may be made easier 

 by taking a strip not quite twice as wide as the 

 spade, and making diagonal cuts so that one vertical 



