HOES and HOEING
There are numerous forms and varieties of Hoes adapted for use, according to the special purpose for which any are required, and the condition or nature of the soil, whether light or heavy. They are indispensable garden implements for drawing drills for seeds, thinning and cleaning crops, breaking the surface of the soil, earthing up, &c. The principal forms are the Draw Hoe and the Dutch or Thrust Hoe, both of which are manufactured in many widths. Draw Hoes were originally all made with a short neck, and a circular eye for fixing the handle in. In using these, the soil gets much clogged on and around the eye. A great improvement, which prevents this clogging considerably, has now been effected by the almost general use of the shape known as the Swan-necked. In these, the handle is inserted in a socket, which is connected with the blade by a curved solid neck. The blade should be made of steel plates, welded on iron necks. This process was previously thought impossible, or at least difficult, but is now readily accomplished. The width of the plate varies from 2in. to 9in. in the different sizes. Hoes with a flat triangular head, and three points are sometimes used for making drills; and the Spanish or Vernon Hoe is a form with only one point. Dutch Hoes are very useful for destroying weeds, or for loosening the surface, where the soil is not too stiff or wet. A workman, in using the Dutch Hoe, walks backwards, and, consequently, does not tread on the ground after it is finished, as he does with the Draw Hoe. A combination Draw Hoe, or Mattock and Fork, sometimes termed a Pickfork, is shown in Fig. 235. It is very useful for loosening and breaking hard lumps of soil, and the forked part is frequently utilised with advantage in unloading manure. Another and stronger form of a similar description is represented in Fig. 236. Hoeing forms a considerable portion of routine work in gardens. Nearly all crops are much benefited by the surface soil being kept loose; and large numbers of seedling weeds are destroyed, at the same time, by running the Hoe through in dry weather. The thinning of crops is much practised with Draw Hoes. It should only be entrusted to workmen who understand the use of the implement, as, otherwise, many plants will be cut up that should have remained.