Implements of Husbandry. Ill 



they are better calculated for trench ploughing. But, on 

 the other hand, they are more expensive both to purchase 

 and repair; they are more liable to be put out of order; 

 they require more strength to work them ; they are more 

 easily disturbed by inequalities on the surface ; they encou- 

 rage the workman to rest a part of their weight on the han- 

 dles of the plough, by which the draught and friction are so 

 much increased, that both the horse and the plough wear 

 out much sooner ( l55 ) ; and neither good mechanics, nor 

 able ploughmen, can ever become numerous, while their ig- 

 norance, or their unskilfulness, can be so easily remedied, 

 as by adding wheels to the plough ( l56 ). Hence, in various 

 places where experienced ploughmen could be had, wheel 

 ploughs have been given up, as expensive and cumber- 

 some ( I57 ). 



Wheels, however, are found to be useful, in cases where 

 either the trench, or the double-furrow plough is employed. 



1. By the trench plough, two or more slices are taken 

 with the same instrument. The first cuts off' the weeds and 

 stubble, and deposits them at the bottom of the furrow : the 

 second slice is turned over the former, and completely covers 

 it. This process suits only rather deep soils ; and in them, 

 many farmers consider it to be an advantageous mode of 

 culture. The ploughs by which this process is effected, 

 ought always to be furnished with wheels, in order that the 

 deepness of the slice or furrow, may be properly regulat- 

 ed ( I58 ). 



2. Double-furrow ploughs are recommended from high 

 authority, as saving the attendance of one person, and doing 

 nearly double the work, in the same space of time, with 

 little additional strength in the team ( l59 ). They seem to be 

 well calculated for level land, free from stones ; or where 

 the soil has been previously well reduced by other ploughs, 

 but they are evidently less fit for general use than single 

 ploughs. They may answer for giving the seed furrow to 

 barley land, where the soil is sandy, and has a flat sur- 

 face ( I6 ); but they will not work where the land is formed 

 into narrow and elevated ridges. 



The paring ploughs^ which have been long used in the 

 fens, instead of a coulter, have what is called a sheath, or 

 circular plate of iron, turning constantly round, the edge of 

 which, and also of the share, are steeled, and kept sharp by 

 a file, for cutting the turf ( 1<SI ). 



Swing ploughs, on the whole, are greatly preferable for 



