OPERATIONS OF TILLAGE. 141 



The difference in the quantity ploughed in these in- 

 stances clearly demonstrates the value of action in horses ; 

 but it must at the same time be observed, that the dis- 

 tance travelled at the slow pace is only twelve, while at 

 the quicker rate it is sixteen miles. 



We will close the subject of ploughing, with the fol- 

 lowing 



§ 2. Rules for Ploughmen. 



1st. The horses should be harnessed as near to the 

 plough as they can be placed without impeding the free- 

 dom of their step ; for the closer they are to the point of 

 draught, the less exertion will be required to overcome 

 the resistance. 



2d. When ploughing with a pair abreast, the most 

 powerful horse should be worked in the furrow ; but if the 

 team be harnessed in line, and there be any difference in 

 the height of the cattle, the tallest should be put fore- 

 most, if he be in every respect equal to the other. 



3d. When at work, they should be kept going at as 

 regular and good a pace as the nature of the work will 

 permit ; for they are thus more manageable, and the 

 draught easier than when slow. By due attention to 

 this, the heavy soil will cling less to the coulter, and the 

 land will be found to work more freely. 



4th. The breadth and depth of the furrow being as- 

 certained, the plough should be held upright, bearing 

 equally all along on a straight sole, and be made to move 

 forward in a regular line, without swerving to either side. 

 The edge of the coulter should be set directly forward, 

 so that the land-side of it may run in a parallel line with 

 the land-side of the head, and in such a position that their 

 slant or sweep may exactly correspond. 



5th. The ploughman should walk with his body as 

 nearly as possible upright, w^ithout leaning on the stilts, 

 and without using force to any part, further than may be 

 absolutely necessary to keep the implement steadily in a 

 straight line. He should also be sparing of his voice, 

 and of correction to the team : of the former, because 

 too much cheering and ordering only confuses the cattle ; 



