Implements of Husbandry. 123 



two, or even more horses. It may be proper therefore, to 

 give a general view of the arguments in favour of single- 

 horse carts, as the subject is of much importance, and the 

 difficulty of surmounting the prejudices against such carts, 

 in those places where larger machines have been in use, is 

 very great. 



In behalf of single-horse carts, it is contended, That they 

 are cheaper, both in regard to the original cost, and the 

 repairs; that greater loads are carried per horse ( I99 ); 

 that they are more effective in harvest than the wag- 

 gon ( 20 ) ; that they are less liable to loss by accidents; 

 for if one wheel of a waggon breaks down, the whole team 

 is stopped ; that the division of draught is useful, for no 

 skill in driving, can make all the horses in a waggon draw 

 exactly an equal share; that they are loaded with greater 

 ease and convenience, and are handy for almost every pur- 

 pose; that the size of the wheels may be adapted, with the 

 greatest nicety, to the height of the horses; that the load 

 may be so conveniently placed, as to lessen the draught; 

 that in proportion to the load, the cart has less weight of 

 carriage; that the power is nearer the weight drawn; 

 that they occupy less space when out of use, than waggons ; 

 that it is much better for the horses to act singly than 

 conjunctively, as a horse in the one case, has nothing but his 

 load to contend with, whereas in the latter, he is generally 

 embarrassed by some difference in point of rate of going, 

 greater or lesser height, strength, temper, &c. with his 

 companion in the machine (* 01 ) ; and lastly, that single- 

 horse carts are greatly to be preferred for the preservation 

 of roads ( aoz ). 



Others maintain, that single-horse carts can only be be- 

 neficially employed in dry weather, when the roads are good ; 

 and though in such roads, one man can manage two of these 

 machines, yet, that in general, each single horse cart must 

 have a man to drive it, which is of itself an objection of 

 great importance, more especially during the harvest, when 

 hands are scarce. 



In regard to double-horse carts, many farmers are partial 

 to them where much field labour is to be performed, and 

 where the roads are so bad, that a single-horse cart can 

 make but little progress. In drawing up steep banks, or 

 going to a great distance for lime, &c. two horses may like- 

 wise be desirable ; at the same time it is admitted, that such 

 a load as two horses can draw, would be so heavy, that in 



