62 



III. SIMPLE OPERATIONS OF TILLAGE.* 



I. PLOUGHING. 



IN ploughing, a slice of earth is to be cut from the left hand 

 side, and to be turned over to the right hand side. In this 

 operation the left hand or near side horse walks on the ground 

 not yet ploughed; the right hand or off side horse walks in 

 the furrow last made, and the workman follows, holding the 

 handles of the plough. 



By means of these handles he guides the plough, while he 

 directs the animals of draught by the voice and the reins. 

 When he is to turn the plough at the end of a furrow, or when 

 it encounters an obstacle, such as a large stone, he presses clown 

 the handles, so that the heel of the plough becomes a fulcrum, 

 and the share is raised out of the ground. 



As the perfection of good ploughing can only be atttained 

 by practice, it must be evident that nothing like a system can 

 be framed for the operation on every diversity of soil. The 

 following rules, partly those of that eminent agriculturist, the 

 late Mr. FINLAYSON, who was himself an expert practical 

 ploughman, may be laid down as worthy of being observed by 

 every man who intends to become a proficient in the perform- 

 ance of his work. 



The horses should be harnessed as near to the plough as they 

 can be placed without impeding the freedom of the step for 

 the closer they are to the point of draught, the less exertion 

 will be required to overcome the resistance. 



When ploughing with a pair abreast, the most forward and 

 powerful horse should be worked in the furrow. But if the 

 team be harnessed in line, and there be any difference in the 

 height of the cattle, the tallest should be put foremost, if he be 

 in every other respect equal to the other. 



When at work, they should be kept at as regular and good 

 a pace as the nature of the work may permit; for they are 

 then more manageable, and the draft easier than when slow. 

 By due attention to this, the heavy soil will also cling less to 

 the coulter, and the land will be found to work more freely. 



The breadth and depth of the furrow being ascertained, the 

 plough should be held upright, bearing equally all along on a 



[* According to our arrangement, Chapter III. on Agricultural Implements 

 should precede this chapter, but the illustrations of some of the implements 

 noticed, not being at hand, that chapter will appear in a subsequent part of the 

 volume.] 



