FIGHTING PLANT ENEMIES.
(1) those accustomed afford mechanical protection to the plants;
(2) those used to apply insecticides and fungicides.
Of the primary the foremost helpful is that the lined frame. It consists typically of a picket box, some eighteen inches to two feet square and about eight high, covered with glass, protecting cloth, mosquito netting or mosquito wire. The first 2 coverings have, of course, the additional advantage of retaining heat and protecting from cold, making it possible by their use to plant earlier than is otherwise safe. They are used extensively in obtaining an additional early and safe begin with cucumbers, melons and the other vine vegetables
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Simpler devices for safeguarding newly-set plants, such as tomatoes or cabbage, from the cut-worm, are stiff, tin, cardboard or tar paper collars, which are made several inches high and large enough to be place round the stem and penetrate an in. around into the soil.
For applying poison powders, the home gardener should supply himself with a powder gun. If one should be restricted to one implement, however, it will be best to get one of the hand-power, compressed-air sprayers. These are used for applying wet sprays, and should be supplied with one of the several forms of mist-making nozzles, the non-cloggable automatic type being the best. For a lot of intensive work a barrel pump, mounted on wheels, will be desirable, but one of the above will do a great deal of work in little time. Extension rods to be used in spraying trees and vines is also obtained for either.
For operations on a awfully tiny scale an honest hand-syringe is also used, however as a general factor it'll be best to take a position a couple of bucks a lot of and get alittle tank sprayer, as this throws gathering, beside the spade, prong-hoe and spading- fork, very few are used in the small garden, as most of them need not only long rows to be economically used, but horse- power also. The onion harvester attachment for the double wheel hoe, is also used with advantage in loosening onions, beets, turnips, etc., from the soil or for cutting spinach.
Running the hand- plow shut on either facet of carrots, parsnips and other deep-growing vegetables will aid materially in getting them out. For fruit selecting, with tall trees, the wire-fingered fruit-picker, secured to the end of a long handle, will be of great assistance, but with the modern method of using low-headed trees it will not be needed.
Another class of garden implements are those used in pruning but where this is attended to properly from the start, a good sharp jack-knife and a pair of pruning shears will simply handle all the work of the type necessary.
Still another variety of garden device is that used for supporting the plants; like stakes, trellises, wires, etc. Altogether too little attention usually is given these, as with proper care in storing over winter they will not only last for years, but add greatly to the convenience of cultivation and to the neat look of the garden.
As a final word to the intending buyer of garden tools, I would say: first thoroughly investigate the different sorts available, and when buying, do not forget that a good tool or a superior machine are providing you with 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 Pine Tree State repeat that a couple of bucks a year, judiciously spent, for tools after well cared for, can presently offer you a awfully complete set, and add to your garden profit and pleasure.
FIGHTING PLANT ENEMIES.
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