Implements of Husbandry. 113 



inch shorter than the first ; so that each row backwards, is 

 about one-half inch shorter than the one that precedes it. 

 Where crops are drilled, an instrument called " the drill 

 " harrow," is found a very great improvement. It thoroughly 

 cuts the weeds in the intervals, and harrows them up to the 

 top in a very complete manner. 



Mr Finlayson's patent harrow, more especially with 

 Wilkie's improvements, has been strongly recommended. 

 Land that has been ploughed in winter, can, with this instru- 

 ment, be prepared in spring, for potatoes or other crops, to bet- 

 ter purpose, and with less labour, than, it is said, can be accom- 

 plished by any other means, nor does any implement clean 

 the ground of weeds more effectually. 



Horse Hoes and Hand Hoes. The horse hoe is a useful im- 

 plement, calculated not only for destroying weeds, but also 

 for pulverizing the soil between the rows of plants set in 

 straight lines, such as turnips, potatoes, or any sorts of grain, 

 that have been sown in drills, at regular distances from each 

 other. By these simple and effectual instruments, a great 

 deal of manual labour is saved. At the same time, the hand 

 hoe is necessary for cutting up weeds, and loosening the earth 

 between the plants which the horse-hoe cannot reach. Essex 

 is celebrated for the strength and massiness of its hand-hoes. 

 Indeed the very weight of such an instrument falling upon 

 the weeds, has more effect upon them, than the common hoes, 

 with the usual strength that is applied. To render them 

 more efficacious, the labourers are naturally anxious to have 

 the instrument, when used, properly ground or sharpened, 

 and the farmers in general, have a grindstone fixed on their 

 premises, for that special purpose. 



4. The Scuffler. This implement is derived from the Kent- 

 ish nidget. It was originally, a small triangular and heavy 

 harrow, the tines longer, and inclined forwards, sharp and 

 penetrating, but having no plates at bottom. Afterwards 

 however, a number of triangular plates, or feet, the edges of 

 which are steeled, and fixed at the bottom of as many iron 

 bars, somewhat similar to the legs and feet of a duck ( I<54 ) 

 were added to it. It is a useful instrument on light lands, 

 that are free from stones, and of a plain surface, because it 

 not only cuts up weeds, but pulverizes the soil. Scuffling 

 strong land, and exposing it to the sun and air, is greatly 

 preferable to harrowing, which tends to consolidate the sur- 

 face ( 16S ) ; but it is necessary to have the land well reduced 

 before the implement is employed. 



