THE VALUE AND CARE OF FARM MACHINERY 279 



to be seen that it would prove to be a very good invest- 

 ment. 



Sentiment ought to be such that the man who does not 

 take good care of his machinery will be placed in the 

 same class as the man who does not take good care of his 

 live stock. 



394. Repairing. Repairs should be made systemati- 

 cally, and, as far as possible, at times when work is not 

 rushing. It is necessary to have some system in looking 

 after the machines in order that when a machine is to be 

 used it will be ready and in good repair. In putting a 

 machine away after a season's work, it is suggested that 

 a note be made of the repairs needed. These notes may 

 be written on tags and attached to the machine. During 

 the winter the tool may be taken into the shop, with 

 which every farm should be provided, and the machine 

 put in first-class shape, ready to be used upon short notice. 

 It is often an advantage not only in the choice of time, 

 but also in being able to give the implement agent plenty 

 of time in which to obtain the repairs. Often repairs, 

 such as needed, will have to come from the factory, and 

 plenty of time should be allowed. 



395. Painting. Nothing adds so much to the appear- 

 ance of a vehicle or implement as the finish. An imple- 

 ment may be in a very good state of repair and still give 

 anything but that impression, by the faded condition of 

 its paint. Paint not only adds to the appearance, but 

 also acts as a preservative to many of the parts, especially 

 if they are made of wood. 



As a rule, hand-mixed paints are the best, but there 

 are good brands of ready-mixed paints upon the market, 

 and they are more convenient to use than the colors mixed 

 with oil. It is the practice in factories, where the pieces 

 are not too large, to dip the entire piece in a paint vat. 



