Scythes
Since the introduction of mowing machines, these have not been so extensively used in gardens. The ordinary form of handle and blade answers well for mowing grass where no machine is kept, and also for cutting it where a machine cannot conveniently be worked. A Scythe for lawn-mowing should be "hung" differently from those used amongst long field-grass. The stick and handles should be attached so that the edge of the blade may be slightly raised above ground when the back is resting on the ground. The workman should be careful to avoid, so far as possible, what is called "ribbing"--that is, mowing so as to show the marks of the Scythe after the grass has been swept up and taken away. This is scarcely possible unless the blade has been properly attached to the handle for the special purpose of cutting short lawn-grass.