USE OF THE ROLLER. 



103 



work in the ground, or about one-third the distance usual in most harrows, thus securing the 

 perfect and minute pulverization of the entire surface. Owing to this position of the teeth, 

 they never clog, keep themselves scoured clean and bright, and bury any rubbish, such as 

 straw, roots, manure, etc., completely beneath the soil. 



The latter harrow consists of a series of revolving concave discs, and is somewhat similar 

 in its construction to La Dow s harrow. 



USE OF THE ROLLER. 



THE field -roller is a valuable machine for every farmer to possess, although it is more 

 rarely seen on farms than almost any other farm implement. 

 It is very useful for crushing the clods and lumps that are left by the harrow, and 

 for pressing down stones and rendering a field smooth for a mowing machine, also in pressing 

 the soil down upon the seed, which produces a more sure and quick germination by the 

 increased moisture thus secured. It also consolidates soils that are too loose in texture. All 

 lands, whether seeded down in the spring or fall, should be rolled every spring. All grass 

 lands even are greatly benefited by its use, since the action of the frost has a tendency to 

 throw up the ground; the tender roots are thus exposed and will soon dry up if not replaced. 

 By pressing them back again to their proper places with the roller, an increased crop of grass 

 will result which will abundantly repay for the labor. Its use is said to have often doubled 

 a crop on certain sandy soils that are not sufficiently compact to hold the roots of plants firmly, 

 and retain sufficient moisture for their support. 



THE FIELD ROLLER. 



As a general rule, the tillage operations of the roller, as well as those of the harrow, can 

 be performed to best advantage when the soil is not wet. 



Rollers are made in various ways, the material of which they are constructed being of 

 both wood and iron; but the iron roller is the most approved kind, as it does better work 

 and is more durable than wood. It is made in sections of cast-iron. The box attachment is 

 very servicable for holding stones, weeds, roots, etc., picked up in the field, and for supplying 

 weight to the roller, according to the work required. 



The above illustration represents one of the best iron rollers in use. 



For clay lands that have become very compact and hard, a heavy iron roller which has 

 teeth attached to the external surface is sometimes used in breaking up the soil, but such an 



