RAKE. There are so many uses to which band rakes may be put that, notwithstanding the almost universal use of horse rakes in gather ing crops, the industry connected with the manu facture of wooden, iron and steel rakes is immense. Since the introduction of the lawn mower, tee lawn rake with its sharp edged teeth has almost disappeared and has been superseded by one similar to the old time hay rake, but with teeth as close again. In gardening six and eight inch rakes, in connection with wheel hoes, have nearly in like manner displaced the common. In buying a garden rake many persons select goose-neck hoe and the Sutch or Scuffle hoe, cast iron implements on account of their cheap ness. It is poor economy. It is far better to pay the difference and get the lighter and stronger steel implement. Two sizes are all that are required, one of eight inches and another of twelve inches in width. The latter
to be used only in fining the soil. In buying a rake see that the handle is long, tough and flex ible, since in working the soil fine, the backward movement is of more consequence than the for-, ward movement. Thus with a tough flexible hhndle, the gardener may,do double the work, and in a better manner than with a, rigid one. So in buying a wooden rake, see that the handle, and especially the teeth, are of tough, second growth wood if possible. Then as fast as a tooth breaks out put in another, and when not in use, whatever the implement, see that it is put away clean, dry, and in a dry place.
RAM. The male of sheep, as distinguished from the ewe. Sometimes the word buck is used, and the word doe for the female. It is manifestly incorrect and should not be persisted in. (See article Sheep.)