22 



BRITISH HUSBANDRY. 



[Ch. I. 



tliose soils which distinctively go under the name of " turnip land" there can 

 be no doubt that a short swing-plough, such as those we have described — 

 or perhaps still better if made with a perfectly straight beam, and held by 

 a skilful and attentive ploughman — will perform the work effectually. 

 Respecting the mode of performing it, we shall add a few words in a 

 future chapter, when we have disposed of what we have further to say on 

 the subject of agricultural implements. 



Chapter II. 



ON HARROWS, GRUBBERS, SCARIFIERS, SCUFFLERS, AND 

 HORSE-HOES. 



The next operation after those of the plough is that of Iiarrowing, which 

 is performed on soils of every description for the purpose of pulverizing 

 them, by reducing the clods made by the furrows upon stubborn land, of 

 tearing up the couch and other weeds upon light ground, and of thus pre- 

 paring both for sowing ; and afterwards for covering the seeds. It therefore 

 requires instruments of different size and strength, and as the objects for 

 which they are employed, though nearly similar, yet vary in detail, it is 

 manifest that they should also differ in form ; but they have nevertheless 

 been both made and worked without any material alteration upon the same 

 principle on which they have been used for ages. 



HARROWS. 



The frame upon whicli the harrow is constructed, though generally 

 formed of wood, has, in some instances, been lately made of iron ; though 

 it is very questionable whether that can be justly called an improvement, 

 for although durable while in good order, yet, if broken, it is more difficult 

 to repair, as well as more expensive. It is composed of cross-bars, the 

 strongest of which are called " bulls;" into which strong iron teeth, or tines, 

 of a wedge-like form, tapering to a point, are generally fixed in a straight 

 downward direction, and are pressed into the earth by the weight of the 

 machine. Tiie teeth are made of different lengths, according to the 

 strength required for the performance of the work, and are, in tools of the 

 small kind, from 7 to 8 inches long ; but, in the larger, they are frequently 



