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Fruit red, exceedingly large and nearly smooth. Productive, but rather late.
CHERRY AND RED CURRANT TOMATOES. These are chiefly grown for ornament, as their fruits are borne in great profusion in bunches or clusters. They represent, in general appearance, the Cherry and Red Currant, after which they are popularly called.
TONGUE-GRAFTING. Another name applied to Grafting by the whip or splice method--that most generally practised in this country, and with the greatest success when stock and scion are both small and of about an equal size. When preparing the two surfaces that are to fit together, a small, thin tongue is cut in an upward direction in the scion, and also a notch the opposite way in the stock, corresponding in size as near as can be judged. In fitting the two together, the notch may be kept open with a knife, and the tongue should be carefully inserted. It acts as a great support to the scion, and materially aids in keeping the latter in position while the bandage is put on, and until the parts unite. By cutting a tongue in this way, and fitting it properly, there are also additional surfaces that may grow together and render the union still more complete. See also Grafting.
TOOLS, IMPLEMENTS, &c. For gardening purposes, it is customary to provide Tools of all descriptions used in carrying out all kinds of work. On their description and quality depend materially the amount of work that may be accomplished, and also the manner in which it is done; workmen generally do more with good and useful Tools that are always kept clean, than if they had to use others, indifferent in quality and make, or rusted because of being subjected to wet weather or taken in dirty, and neglected while temporarily stored away. This latter is, unfortunately, a too frequent occurrence, sometimes arising from disinterestedness on the part of workmen: the defect might be cured by the adoption of a simple rule by those in charge, which should be applicable to all who use anything from the Tool-shed. Some of the Tools used in gardens are requisite in all establishments, whether conducted on a large or small scale, as, for instance, the spade; this is indispensable at all seasons. It may, therefore, be taken as an example in referring to the importance of having Tools of good quality, even if at a little more expense at first. Inferior articles are most unprofitable, no matter of what description. Tools also need proper usage and to be kept clean. The first of these remarks is commended to the attention and judgment of persons who have to buy or procure Tools; the second to those whose lot it is to subject them to daily or occasional use.
In the subjoined general notes on Tools, Implements, &c., reference is made to requisites which should be found in establishments where gardening work of the ordinary routine is carried out. The extent of a place, and the number of workmen employed, must necessarily be the guide for quantity: no general scheme is applicable. It might seem unnecessary to make reference to what is apparently so familiar in relation to Tools in daily use; but those best known are the most essential, and must therefore be noticed, while many others which are only occasionally required, are none the less requisite, and should therefore be ready at hand.
Averruncator. One of these is most useful in gardens where there are extensive grounds attached, with tall-growing shrubs, standard trees, &c., that need pruning at a considerable height above ground, and yet cannot conveniently be reached by means of a ladder or steps. The Averruncator consists of a hooked blade, which is fixed into the end of a handle, made ready for use in one length, or sometimes in two, with provision for joining them together when requisite. To the fixed hooked blade, another blade with a semicircular cutting edge is attached, generally riveted; this has a lever, with a cord tied to the end, so that, when the cord is pulled from below, the two blades close, and sever branches--if the wood is not too hard--of nearly, or quite, 1in. in diameter. A spring, which is fastened to the fixed, and also to the lever, blades, separates their cutting edges so soon as the rope is loosened. For pruning or cutting into shape tall trees and shrubs at considerable elevations, this is the most effectual plan, as a workman may stand on the ground, and easily detach branches situated at a height of from 12ft. to 16ft., provided, of course, that the handle is sufficiently long. The cord passes from the lever over a small pulley fixed to the handle, and thus full purchase is secured.
Axe. A small, short-handled Axe is adapted for cleaving blocks of firewood, after they have been sawn into proper lengths; it may also be used for sharpening large stakes, and for many other purposes. It is also advisable to have, in addition, one of a larger size, if such work as tree-felling has ever to be executed.
Bill-hooks. One or more of these are in frequent requisition for sharpening stakes, chopping firewood, cutting down high hedges, large common shrubs, &c. Bill-hooks are made with or without a chopper at the back. They are familiar to everyone, and are in constant use.
Brooms. For outdoor work, sweeping lawns, walks, &c., birch Brooms are most generally used, and are best adapted. In some gardens, these are made in wet weather by the workmen, but Brooms ready for use may be procured in any quantity when this is inconvenient or impracticable. In either case, the wood or a stock of Brooms should be procured in winter before the sap rises; when deferred until this takes place, the twigs are much less tough, and do not last. Brooms, or reserve wood for making them, may best be kept in an open or airy shed, preferably on the cross-beams, where it is dry. For cleaning the floors of glass structures, the ordinary long-handled Brooms generally used in houses are best.
Chisels. In pruning operations, when the pieces to be detached are inconveniently situated for cutting, either with a knife or pruning-saw, Chisels are sometimes used. For this purpose, those employed in gardens are somewhat similar in shape to those used by carpenters. Chisels are occasionally employed for pruning at considerable elevations; they are attached to handles of various lengths. When grafting large tree stocks, by the cleft method, a chisel shaped somewhat like a sharp wedge is employed; this is called a Grafting Chisel. Besides these, a strong, wrenching Chisel is always valuable in a garden, for opening cases, &c., which usually arrive, more or less frequently, by rail.
Crowbars. One of these, at least, is recommended to be kept for making holes wherein to insert strong stakes, or any which cannot conveniently be driven into the solid ground. A round bar of iron, with one end tapered to a point, and the other made wedge-shaped, is most generally employed: the wedge end is sometimes valuable for levering or lifting plants in large tubs and other things which are unusually heavy.
Daisy Grubbers and Daisy Rakes. For removing Daisies from lawns these tools are employed. The Grubber is an implement about 18in. long, with a handle at one end and a claw at the other, for digging up Daisies by the roots. Daisy Rakes have broad teeth with sharp edges that cut off Daisy flowers from lawns, but of course do not destroy the roots. The latter may be used for raking short lawn grass instead of sweeping it with a broom. Dibbers. These may be made from pieces of ordinary wood, shaped like a right angle, or somewhat like an obtuse angle, and pointed, or from old spade handles; the latter are generally favoured To make them last a long time, the points are sometimes cased with steel, but there is no real necessity for this. Dibbers are of most use where the soil is rather light; in heavy lands, the holes made by them are often smooth inside, and the roots of plants do not so readily penetrate. The uses to which Dibbers are put, for inserting plants, &c., are generally well known. The Potato Dibber has a handle long enough for a workman to use standing upright, and is provided with a piece of wood or iron, which is used as a treadle. This, being fixed at the required distance from the end, insures all the Potato sets being put in at a uniform depth below the surface of the soil.
Edging-iron, or Verge-cutter. A tool used for cutting-out beds in turf and for trimming the edges of walks in flower-gardens, pleasure-grounds, &c., when these are composed of turf. It consists of a sharp-cutting steel blade formed in the shape of a crescent with a socket attached, into which a round handle is fixed, with a cap on the top like that of a spade. There are other kinds of Verge-cutters, but this is the one generally used, and it answers most effectually. It may be guided to cut edges, outlines of beds, &c., in turf, of almost any desired shape.
Forks. Forks of one or more kinds are amongst the most useful implements in gardens: for many purposes, there is nothing which could form an efficient substitute. Forks should always be light: they cannot be readily handled and used when constructed so as to appear heavy when lifted. For digging, either a four or five-tined Fork is best: the latter is generally preferable of the two, as the tines or prongs are close together. Most Digging-forks are made with narrow, steel tines, but a useful kind for such work as Potato-digging has broad ones, as represented. For digging hard ground, a Fork is not a good substitute for the spade, but when the soil is light and also loose at the bottom it may sometimes be substituted with advantage. In transplanting trees of any description, a Digging-fork with narrow tines should always be used for separating soil which surrounds the roots. Dung-forks are invaluable for turning and mixing litter and leaves, or any light manure. The best are those with either three or four small, steel tines, which pass readily through the manure, and seldom clog when in use. Other kinds of Forks are made for special purposes-as, for instance, very large ones, with four or five long prongs, for loading leaves; and others, with long handles and only two prongs (like those used for haymaking, but stronger), for lifting bundles of straw, wood, &c. There are also small Hand Forks, with three flat prongs, which are useful for plunging plants amongst tan or cocoa-nut fibre.
Grubbing-axe, Pick, and Pickaxe. Whenever there are trees of more than ordinary size to be rooted out by garden workmen, one or more Grubbing-axes should be included in the list of tools. Common Picks are requisite for breaking up the surface of walks, &c., and one end of the pickaxe may also be used for similar purposes. The difference between these had better be explained: the ordinary or common Pick has both of the ends pointed, and cannot, therefore, be used for cutting roots; a Pickaxe has one end pointed, and the other made like a chopper, its edge being in line with the handle; the Grubbing-axe has both ends wedge-shaped for cutting-one being in line, and the other turned crossways, with the handle. The ends of all these require, when in constant use, rather frequent attention by a blacksmith; otherwise, they soon get blunt. They should be well steeled and tempered, to make them last as long as possible without being repaired, and to keep the point or edge sharp and in good order.
Hammer. The best form of Hammer for gardening purposes is that with rather a short head, having a claw at the back, for drawing out old nails when training wall trees. This is the principal use for which Hammers are required. Hoes. These are requisite in all gardens for many purposes, the forms most employed being the Swan-necked Draw-hoe, and the Dutch or Thrust-hoe. The first-named is better than the old form of Draw-hoe, which soon gets clogged with soil round the eye, particularly if it is the least sticky or wet. Besides hoeing to destroy weeds, this kind of Hoe, which is made in various sizes, is the best for drawing drills for seeds, earthing-up crops, &c. Dutch Hoes, also made in various widths, are sometimes preferred for breaking up the surface of the ground, hoeing flower-beds, and cutting up small weeds in summer. There are two or three other kinds of Hoes which are not altogether requisite: a reference to these may be found under Hoes and Hoeing. Mallet. A Mallet is useful for driving stakes into the ground, as, for example, those used for Raspberries and young fruit-trees. It is also required when a chisel is used for cutting off branches, &c., and for various other purposes. A moderately heavy one is best adapted, and it should be made from wood that will not readily split.
Rakes. Both iron and wooden Rakes are necessary in gardens, for levelling ground, and for cleaning up refuse of every description. Ordinary wooden ones, such as are used for haymaking, are best adapted for raking and cleaning large breadths of garden grounds or lawns, and also for levelling gravel. If they are too heavy, the heads may easily be reduced in width and, consequently, in weight. Iron Rakes are best for cleaning flower-beds, &c.; it is always advisable to have what is called a set-that is, four or six different ones, varying in width. They should be made light, and not clumsy to handle. Rammers. These are necessary when new walks are being made, or turf relaid; they are also required occasionally for ramming the soil round posts, &c. The handiest form is that with a circular, iron head, with socket attached into which a handle is fixed. Iron Rammers are made in various sizes: those weighing from 7lb. up to 10lb. are handy, and not too heavy to work. Reel and Line. For all garden Lines of considerable length, iron Reels should be provided: the Lines are more readily wound up, and they are always subjected to a circulation of air, which dries and preserves them better than when rolled upon straight, wooden stakes. All Reels should be provided with a small handle projecting above the upper crossbar for turning it to wind up the Line. A strong iron pin accompanies the Reel, for tying the line to at one of the extreme ends, the other end being fastened to the reel before winding. Rollers. Where there are walks and lawns, one or more Rollers are needed to keep the surfaces even and firm. They are made in various sizes, and, consequently, of different weights, usually of cast, but sometimes of wrought, iron. Some have the cylinder in two halves, which revolve separately, and allow of turning more readily at the end of a walk, or in another direction to that which has previously been traversed, than if there was only one. When rolling newly-gravelled walks, it is best to have two Rollers-one, a light one, for drawing first, and another, heavy, for rendering the walk firm. All Rollers should be provided with a balance for the handle; otherwise, the weight of this comes on the workman, who should only have to pull. The balance, besides effecting the purpose for which it is intended, also adds to the weight of the Roller.