454: STEAM CULTIVATION. 



harrowing, rolling, and seed-drilling are done by steam, it is 

 left in a condition most favorable to the growth of the crop, 

 and to the rapid subsidence of water of rains assuming 

 that the land is either naturally or artificially under-drained. 



Not the least benefit of steam cultivation (accompanied 

 by the use of the steam-engine for threshing, grinding, fod- 

 der-cutting, &c.) is found in the greater activity which is im- 

 parted to all the business of the farm. The same diiference, 

 but in less marked degree, is to be observed in the use of 

 horses instead of oxen. 



The motive power sets the time of the whole establish- 

 ment, and as the use of oxen leads to a slow, drawling, list- 

 less habit, so steam gives an activity and bustle to every- 

 thing which makes wages and board tell with better effect 

 on the year's performances. 



In the Journal of the Royal Agricultural Society, for 1867, 

 there is a very elaborate report of the results of the exami- 

 nations of the committees which had been appointed " to 

 inquire into the results of steam cultivation in use by 135 

 farmers and stock companies in England." 



The following are some of the conclusions at which they 

 arrived : 



" In nearly all the cases reported it will be seen that the 

 expenses of cultivation are very much reduced, and yet that 

 a larger amount of produce is said to have been realized. 



"Not only are the operations themselves better done, 

 quicker done, less expensively done, but all kindred and col- 



