GAEDENING FOE WOMEN 61 



to repeat the remedy each spring when the first 

 warm days arrive. 



Leggings, — These, too, are important, and should 

 be of leather, and similar to those worn by men. 

 Buttons or spring fastenings are to be avoided. 

 The spiral strap fastening with a buckle is the most 

 practical, and brown leather is better than black, 

 as it is more easily cleaned. Cloth leggings, 

 gaiters or puttees should not be worn ; they are 

 troublesome to clean. 



Gloves, — Thick leather gloves are useful when 

 working among thorns and thistles. Many jobs, 

 such as thinning out small things, pruning and 

 nailing, cannot be properly done in gloves. When 

 working among wet vegetables, they only make 

 the hands cold, and encourage chilblains. Hands 

 will wash, but it is as well to be provided with a 

 bottle of nail-cleaning fluid, a box of orange sticks, 

 and a little cotton wool. A hand nail brush must 

 not be used, but soap and water should be vigor- 

 ously applied. 



Apron or Overall, — This will keep the skirt clean, 

 and if there is a large pocket in the front it will 

 be useful to keep scissors, a knife, raffia, or string 

 in it for tying roses to pergolas, or picking 

 flowers. A blue serge apron looks best, or an over- 

 all made of sacking, with a belt round the waist, 

 is neat. 



