Photograph by Pictorial Agency.
TOOLS
The lady-gardener can turn her attention to the question of tools when she has carefully looked round her new garden and when she knows how many men are to be employed. A list should then be made of those that are wanted, and they should all be ordered together, as by that means they will be cheaper. Those of an inferior quality should not be obtained just for the sake of saving a few shillings. They are dear at any price, so the best should be had and treated well. I have known instances of spades that “came to pieces in my 'and,” as the housemaid says. If they broke off at the first trial of a lady gardener, they certainly would do so when used by a man. Therefore all spades and forks should be obtained from a trustworthy manufacturer.
In some cases, a tool for each person employed will be required. In other instances, one or two of each kind will be enough, according to the size of the garden. Of these “sets” had better be ordered.
Spades.—A spade must be chosen to fit the user, and Nos. 2 and 3 are the most generally serviceable. One with a solid socket is strongest, and if the bend of the handle is right, it will not be appreciably heavier than others.
Forks.—A digging fork or grape with four prongs may be either flat or round. For general use, the round pronged ones are best, as they can be used for stirring the ground, digging potatoes, or forking manure. When digging, a flat pronged fork is strongest.
Rakes.—These can be obtained with iron or steel teeth, three to a set, in sizes of 16 in., 12 in., and 8 in. The end teeth and head should be in one piece, the other teeth rivetted, and very slightly curved. The socket should be long, and have at least three holes for rivets.
Draw hoes should be two to a set, 9 in. and 4 in.; the blades of steel welded to an iron neck which is slightly curved or swan-necked, as it is easier then to keep free of weeds.
Dutch hoes should be two to a set, 9 in. and 6 in.
Trowels.—A trowel should be chosen not too concave in the blade. A small mason’s trowel is useful.