298 THE WHEAT CTJLTTJKIST. 



working it as he travels over the field. The grain" is 

 carried in a receptacle to which the machinery is 

 attached. At one side of the machine is a distributing 

 wheel, with arms, or flanges, which play in the- issue of 

 the grain receptacle. When the machine is not in 

 motion the grain cannot flow out ; but, as soon as the 

 crank is turned, the grain is scattered broadcast in front 

 of the sower. If every part of the machine is made per- 

 fectly, and if the operator can exercise mechanical skill 

 in managing difficult machinery, he can sow grain evenly 

 and rapidly with such a seed sower. 



But there are some difficulties attending the manage- 

 ment of such a grain sower, to which it is proper for me 

 to allude, so that a farmer may understand exactly what 

 he is purchasing, when he procures one of this style of 

 machines. There is the same liability to scatter seed 

 unevenly with this sower as when sowing broadcast by 

 hand. If the operator does not walk exactly at a uniform 

 gait, and if he does not keep his body in a steady posi- 

 tion, without wriggling, and does not turn the crank at 

 a uniform velocity, he will not be likely to sow the 

 seed as evenly as it should be. By turning the body 

 only a little either way, from a direct, straightforward 

 course, the direction of the falling grain will be changed 

 very much. By turning the crank faster, the grain will 

 be distributed over a wider breadth of land. A skilful 

 operator will regulate the motion of the crank by his 

 steps. 



A more complete description of this seed sower may 

 be found in R. H. Allen & Co.'s catalogue of his agricul- 

 tural implements, 189 Water Street, New York city, 

 price $1. It is sold also by " The Ames Plough Com- 

 pany," 53 Beekman Street, New York city ; and is 



