The Folding Fork-Spade: Four Tines and a Pick on One Handle

"C is the four-tined fork, the shank D of which is attached to the socket B by the pivot-pin E. The shank D is extended, and is formed into a spear-head hoe, F." "When the spear-head hoe is folded down, as seen in Fig. 2, its face is parallel with the handle, and the fork C is in a position to use as a spade. H is a key which passes through the part G of the socket which serves to keep the hoe-blade in place." "This is a most convenient implement for the garden in loosening the soil or handling manure, and for various other purposes, one implement being adapted for various operations in the garden and on the farm."

Mark out two squares side by side in the same bed. Measure the width and thickness of your spade's edge and the size of the fork's tine tips with the ruler. Stand on each tool in turn with the same weight and see how far it goes in. Try it in firm, dry ground and again after rain. Then lift a spadeful of loose soil with each and see what falls through the fork. Compare how deep each went with the pressures in the notebook.

**Daniel Mater, Jr.**, of Bellmore, Parke County, Indiana, assignor to himself and Ira Mater, received US 130,517, dated 13 August 1872. The patent prints no filing date. **Honest limits.** The notebook compares edge pressure only. Real penetration also depends on soil moisture, stones, roots and how the tool is rocked. The foot force and edge sizes are examples. How far your tools go in is the measurement.