FARM nirLEMEXTS. 9c5 



ferout principle is attempted. Instead of plowing, tlie Spader 

 i is designed to dig up ana loosen the earth to a sufficient depth. 

 This has not as yet succeeded to any extent in this country, 

 unless we except the machine invented for this purpose by 

 [Ion. Cicero Comstock, of Milwaukee. Ilis machine is some- 

 vhat complex and expensive, but it has been introduced into 

 some parts of the West, more especially in Illinois, where it is 

 said to have been used with some satisfaction. 



In a clear, friable soil, the Spader will dig up a strip of land, 

 three feet wide, to the depth of eight inches, and with a power 

 of two or four horses, will spade about six acres a day. It 

 seems probable that a digger, in some form, will eventually 

 supersede the plow, as it appears to be more philosophically 

 adapted to the end in view. It is proper to say, that Comstock's 

 Spader made a successful trial at Paris in 1867, and that it is 

 now being introduced into France, Belgium, und Great Britain, 

 as the result of its success. 



Harrows. The harrow naturally follows the plow, and its 

 object is to effect a more complete pulverization of the soil. It 

 has, till quite recently, undergone less changes and modifica- 

 tions than most other farm implements ; and, in fact, many 

 forms of the wooden harrow bear some resemblance to those of 

 the ancients, as illustrated on medals and sculptures. Though 

 simple, the harrow, if properly constructed and worked, is 

 hardly less important than the plow itself. 



The triangular harrow is, perhaps, the most common. Tbe 

 Geddes Harrow, as shown in the annexed cut, is a modification 

 of it. It is made of two pieces of frame work, joined by hinges 

 in the centre, so as to adapt itself easily to uneven surfaces. 

 One side can be raised to pass an obstruction without stopping 

 the team, and without interfering with the operation of tho 

 other half. Each tooth makes its own impression, and the 



