Implements of Husbandry. 125 



into account, it will be evident, that the subject is of more 

 importance, than farmers seem in general to be aware of. 

 Economy, however, in this article, where it does not inter- 

 fere with fitness, should be particularly adverted to ( ai ); 

 above all, throwing away money in useless ornaments, ought 

 to be avoided. Great care ought likewise to be paid to the 

 preservation of the harness, as it consists of articles easily 

 damaged, unless kept in the most perfect order. 



9. Implements far draining Land. 



In the implements for this essential purpose, England 

 certainly excels. Where the ground is soft, the drains may 

 be cut with a spade ; but where it is hard or full of stones, 

 the mattock or pick must be made use of. The tools used 

 for hollow-draining, according to the Essex system, are ex- 

 tremely ingenious and appropriate for that purpose. Va- 

 rious sorts of draining ploughs have been invented, which, 

 being of a complicated construction, have seldom been used 

 with advantage. The mole plough, as it is called, is likely 

 to be of service in draining soils free from stones ; and is 

 found to be particularly useful in pasture land. These im- 

 plements shall be more fully discussed when the subject of 

 draining is treated of ( i11 ). 



10. Rollers. 



The roller is the most valuable implement, for breaking 

 hard clods expeditiously, and smoothing the surface of the 

 land when in tillage, ever yet invented. It is likewise of use 

 to grass lands laid down for hay ; and heavy rollers would 

 prevent those ant hills, by which so many pastures are de- 

 formed ( aiz ). 'Rollers are made of various substances; as 

 wood, freestone, granite or cast-iron ; but on the whole, the 

 two latter are to be preferred. It is of importance, that the 

 weight of the roller, should be in proportion to the extent 

 of surface on which it rests, and the nature of the land on 

 which it is to operate. The best plan is, that of having two 

 rollers, each about two feet and a half in length, and both 

 placed in one frame, so as to roll clear of one another. This 

 is the most suitable both for corn crops and sown grass, as 

 it neither tears up the tender soil, nor injures the young 

 plants, and also acts better, when any inequalities are to be 

 met with on the surface. Besides, the labour in turning 

 is much less severe on the frame, and on the cattle. Every 



