204 



FARM MECHANICS 



The first step is to obtain samples at different depths. 

 This is done accurately and quickly with a good soil 

 auger. Other paraphernalia is required to make a 



Figure 186. Soil Auger. Scientific farming demands that soils 

 shall be tested for moisture. A long handled auger is used to bring 

 samples of soil to the surface. The samples are weighed, the water 

 evaporated and the soil reweighed to determine the amount of 

 moisture. 



Figure 187. Post Hole Dij 

 of digger are shown. The 

 wooden handles. 



gers. Two patterns of the same kind 

 irst has iron handles, the lower has 



Figure 188. Hoes and Weeders. The hang of a hoe affects its 

 working. The upper hoe shows about the easiest working angle 

 between the blade and the handle. The difference between a hoe and 

 a weeder is that the hoe is intended .to strike into the ground to 

 loosen the soil, while the blade of the weeder is intended to work 

 parallel with the surface of the soil to cut young weeds. 



