Alfalfa in Kansas. 305 



Capacity ratings are not all uniform, so comparisons should be made 

 on the calculated contents of the box level full, providing that there is 

 1.25 cubic feet in one bushel. 



If loaded too high the distribution is apt to be uneven, regardless of 

 how good a pulverizing or leveling rake is on the spreader. 



If the apron becomes too loose it can be tightened up by two bolts, one 

 on each side, and at the front end of the machine. 



Lubrication is extremely important and should never be neglected. 

 (See "Manure Spreaders," in index.) 



Lime and Fertilizer "Sowers. 



These are two-wheeled machines from 6 to 10 feet wide and have hop- 

 pers holding from 7% to 15 bushels. The amount sown, ranging from 

 5000 to 6000 pounds of dry stock per acre, is regulated by the size of the 

 openings in the bottom. An attachment 11 feet wide is made for attach- 

 ing to the rear end of wagons. A two-canvas conducting apron is placed 

 so that the material is dropped to within 8 inches of the ground. The 

 amount per acre can be varied from 400 to 4000 pounds. 



OPERATION AND CARE. Whenever possible the lime should be screened 

 before placing in the machine. Many of the lime and fertilizer sowers 

 have screens built in. When using such a machine it is always best to 

 take advantage of the screen. This will prevent clogging of the hopper 

 and feed opening. (See "Lime Spreader," in index.) 



HARVESTING MACHINERY. 



Mowers. 



The modern mower has become a standard machine and varies only 

 in slight details. Various cutting devices have been patented, but they 

 have nearly all given way to the reciprocating knife and stationary 

 guards. 



Many attempts have been made to make a center-cut machine, in 

 which the cutter was carried in front of the machine. The prime object 

 sought in these machines was to eliminate side draft and keep the team 

 from tramping the hay into the stubble. This is offset by the horses 

 walking in the standing grass, so that very few of these machines are 

 made. 



Mowers may be had in sizes from the one-horse S 1 /^- to 4-ft. cut up to 

 the 6- and 8-ft. cut in the two-horse size. 



The driving power of a mower is determined to some extent by the 

 weight of the machine and the construction of the drivewheels. The 

 drivewheels should be from 3% to 5 inches broad and must.be provided 

 with good lugs. They should also be provided with a sufficient number 

 of pawls to engage the ratchets, so there will be no lost motion between 

 the main wheels and the sickle, as this would allow the guards to fill 

 with grass before the sickle started.' 



Roller bearings and a good method of oiling is necessary for light 

 draft. 



The majority of mowers have two sets of gears, although some have 

 three, and others have only one set of gears and a chain drive. The 



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