88 



FARM MACHINERY 



firm. The first rollers were constructed out of suit- 

 able logs and were drawn by yokes engaging pins in 

 the ends of the rollers. It was soon found that if a 

 log of any width was used, it would not work well 

 on uneven ground, and it was clumsy to turn. Rollers 

 made in two or three sections were then introduced, 

 which were found in a great measure to overcome these 

 difficulties. If the soil moisture is to be conserved, 

 the roller should be followed by a smoothing harrow, 



FIG. 59 A SMOOTH IRON ROLLER 



as the former smooths and packs the ground, permitting 

 the escape of the capillary water into the air. The har- 

 row will roughen the surface, thereby decreasing the 

 wind velocity, and will also put a dust mulch over the 

 surface. The ground will be in much better condition 

 for a mower or other machine vuter t u e roller has nassed 

 over it. 



