452 STEAM CULTIVATION. 



The construction of the steam ploughing apparatus, and 

 its mode of operation, are shown in the illustrations which 

 accompany this article. 



Among the advantages claimed for it are the following : 



1. Greater rapidity of work, allowing land to be speedily 

 prepared for the crop while in the proper condition, thus 

 greatly lessening the danger that planting will be delayed 

 by rains. 



2. Cheapness of work the cost (in England) being re- 

 duced from about $5 per acre, the cost with horses, to 

 about $1.25, the cost with the steam apparatus. 



3. Improved condition of the land. 



4. Better drainage. 



5. Greater activity in the performance of all the work of 

 the farm. 



Concerning rapidity of work, it may be stated that a 

 14-horse engine set will plough from 9 to 12 acres per day, 

 and do the work better (deeper) than it can possibly be done 

 with any ordinary farm team. 



At the Annual Show of the Eoyal Agricultural Society at 

 Bury St. Edmonds, in 186T, Fowler's cultivator smashed 

 up light stubble-land at the rate of 50 acres per day of 

 10 hours, and did the work at a cost of about 25c. per acre, 

 including all charges for fuel, wear and tear, and attendance. 



Anything which places it in the power of the farmer to 

 prepare his land for planting at so rapid a rate as even 8 



