A WORD FOR GOOD TOOLS 
79 
hoes, one dozen rakes, and for each pupil a weeder, a spoon, 
and a skewer. The small kit consisting of these last three 
articles should always be at hand, because there is no time 
during the entire season when these tools will not be needed 
for keeping the land cultivated and for stirring the soil around 
the plants. The skewer does the work of a dibble ; the trowel 
is wanted when a generous supply of earth is to be kept 
around the roots, and can be deftly applied to the ground 
near the stalk of the plant without disturbing it too much. 
Of course other tools could be added, like the spray pump, 
which would be very desirable. The entire cost of this outfit 
will come well within thirty dollars. 
On the same basis that textbooks and stationery are sup- 
plied to schools for indoor studies, this modest equipment 
should be furnished for the outdoor laboratory. In neighbor- 
hoods where a number of home gardens are carried on, some 
of the more expensive tools can be owned in partnership. 
It will be found that cooperation for the purchase of tools 
and seeds, as well as for the disposal of produce, is for the 
advantage of everybody. 
Beware of yielding to the temptation of investing in cheap 
or toy tools. They are very attractive, but they break easily, 
and such an outlay of money is simply thrown away ; there- 
fore go in for a better grade. Strong, honestly made tools, if 
well cared for, will last for several seasons. Proper care of 
them means that they must be thoroughly wiped when put 
away, to prevent rust. Every now and then they should be 
rubbed up with a cloth dipped in kerosene. A gardener is 
known by the tools he keeps ; indeed, any true gardener hates 
badly kept tools. He will take pride, too, in the appearance 
of his tool room ; to preserve good order, therefore, shelves 
may be put up for holding the smaller articles, while the large 
ones hang from pegs on the wall. Some schools recommend 
