Eeed.] Report on Steam Cultivation. 171 



to be cut, and only twelve men to cut it. Wherever it is possible 

 therefore, he substitutes machinery and horse-power for men — 

 a fact which accounts for the small reduction made in horses. 

 Men, however, cannot be dispensed with in steam cultivation ; 

 and their absence, when most required, impairs its usefulness. 

 Mr. Smythe, in confirmation of these statements, assured us 

 that for nine months in the year his payment for labour does not 

 exceed 11/. a week. 



The Apparatus may be called Smith's. It was bought in 1860, 



and consisted of 



£. s. d. 



An Engine of 8-horse power, single cylinder, made by Messrs. 



Hornsby, which having been in use npon the farm since 



1857 was charged to the steam cultivating apparatus .. .. 100 



Windlass, 2 implements, 1400 yards rope and ])orters .. .. 255 10 6 



Three-furrow plough, made by Howard, new 1862.. .. .. 54 10 



410 G 



Being satisfied that the strain is less, and fewer breakages of 

 implements and rope occur, when the spasmodic action of a 

 feeble engine is avoided, Mr. Smythe determined to change his 

 8-horse power, which had been two years in use when purchased 

 by him, for an engine of 10-horse power. The old engine, 

 having been stayed and strengthened, was restored to its former 

 value (100/.), and passed, with a cheque for 50/., in exchange for 

 the greater power. This addition, in 1865, increases the first 

 outlay of 1860 to 460/. Os. M. 



Repairs, Renewals, Wear and Tear. — From first to last — that 

 is, in 8 years — the original engine cost 100/., or 12/. 10^. a year. 

 Putting half the year's cost against steam cultivation (6/. 5^. 

 X 5 years), we have 31/. 5^. 



The second engine has needed no repairs. The implements 

 and windlass have cost little or nothing, save for wearing parts, 

 of which no account has been kept. 



The Rope. — A renewal of 1000 yards of steel-rope took place 

 in 1863, and of 1000 yards in 1864, together costing 80/. These 

 ropes have been supplied by Messrs. Glass, Elliot, and Co., and 

 are of excellent quality. The first rope was very inferior. 



Work done and mode of doing it during a day of 10 hours, including 

 Removals. 



Ploughing 5 acres 5 inches deep. 



Cultivating (3 tines) 5 acres 6 inches; heavy land, 10 inches. 



Cultivating (5 tines) 10 acres 8 inches ; heavy land, 13 inches, 2nd time over. 



Previous to 1862, wheat-stubbles were broken up at one opera- 

 tion, and left for wintry influences till spring, when they Mveve 

 crossed. Since 1862 they have been ploughed, either by steam 



