124 OPERATIONS OP TILLAGE. 



there is no labor upon the farm that has been more im- 

 perfectly performed, than this generally has been. Light 

 soils seldom require more than one ploughing for the seed, 

 if well executed ; but if badly executed, two ploughings 

 are too little. Our implements are, however, daily im- 

 proving ; the importance of good tillage is becoming more 

 and more apparent, and our practical knowledge is in- 

 creasing. 



CHAPTER XIV. 



OPERATIONS OF TILLAGE. 



There are six prominent objects to be effected by til- 

 lage ; viz., 



1 . To break up the entire surface-stratum of soil, there- 

 by to render it permeable to the agents of vegetable nu- 

 trition and growth, and the roots of plants. 



2. To give the greatest exposure of surface to the ame- 

 liorating influence of the atmosphere. 



3. To induce a pulverization of the soil, that seeds 

 may more readily germinate and grow, and air and moist- 

 ure more freely circulate in it. 



4. To destroy weeds and foreign plants, that rob the 

 crop of food, and choke its growth. 



5. To effect an economical distribution of the dung, 

 tlie food of the crop, by blending and incorporating it with 

 the soil. 



6. To bury the seed of the intended crop. 



The principal implements employed in the operation 

 of tillage are, the Plough, Harrow, Roller, Cultivator, and 

 Drill. 



.§1. The Plough. 



In order to profit from the excellent illustrations of 

 Professor Low, in the use of the Plough, we shall copy 

 this writer's remarks from his Elements of Practical Ag- 

 riculture. 



