FARMER'S ASSISTANT. 289 



PLOUGH. To construct this implement in such manner 

 that it will do its work effectually, and at the same time 

 pass through the ground with the greatest possible ease, is 

 a matter of the utmost importance ; as well to the Farmer 

 individually, as to the Couniry at large, in an economical 

 point of view. 



It is found, in Greatbritain, that two Horses can as easily 

 draw one of the ploughs, which are constructed after the 

 most modern improvements, as three can one of those 

 which were formerly used there ; of course, the Farmer 

 becomes thus enabled to perform his ploughing with one 

 Horse less, to each plough, than formerly; which may be 

 estimated at a saving of about fony dollars a year, for the 

 labor of each Horse thus dispensed with ; or a saving of 

 labor to the yearly value of some millions of dollars to the 

 Country. 



It is the various means which have bean adopted for 

 saving of labor, in that Country, which have principally- 

 contributed to raise it to that degree of power and emi- 

 nence, which at present it possesses. 



It is not to be expected, that every common Mechanic 

 can construct a good plough. The making of them ought 

 to be a separate business, and conducted by Men of suffi- 

 cient genius, and information, for the purpose. A patent- 

 plough is now made and sold in the county of Cayuga, 

 which is said to be very well constructed. 



If ingenious Mechanics would make themselves acquaint- 

 ed with the principles necessary to be observed in the best 

 construction of ploughs, and would keep such constantly for 

 sale, they would find the business profitable, and they would 

 be rendering essential service to the Country. 



In the American Edition of the Edinburg Encyclopedia 

 are exhibited, drawings of well-constructed ploughs; and 

 the principles necessary to be observed in their construction; 

 are there also laid down. The Farmer, or the Mechanic, 

 may readily refer to the Work in question. 



As it is very difficult to convey an adequate idea of a 

 well-constructed plough, without drawings of it, and as this 

 Work is not intended to contain any of these, any descrip- 

 tion, in detail, of such plough is here omited : Some gen- 

 eral observations on the best construction may, however, 

 not be amiss. 



1. The lighter the plough, the easier it is drawn. In 

 light smooth soils, which offer no impediment to the 

 plough, it may be very light, and yet sufficiently strong. 

 In those which are stiff, stony, or rocky, its strength must 

 be equal to sustaining the draft, and the shocks it has to 

 encounter. In the latter cases, it requires double, and per- 



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