24 



One of the machines built on this principle is known as the 

 Danvers Onion Sower. (See engraving.) 



The struct- 

 ure is ex- 

 ceedingly 



simple ; and 

 as it involves 



but few parts, and hence is but little liable to get out of 

 order, and when out of order can readily be repaired by any 

 blacksmith, it was quite a favorite with onion-raisers, but im- 

 proved implements have to a large degree taken the place 

 of it. 



The Danvers machine opens the furrows, drops the seed, 

 covers it, but does not roll it. Farmers usually attach an oM 

 horseshoe to the end of the seed coverer, which gives 

 sufficient weight to make it answer the purposes of a roller. 



Matthews' Garden Seed Drill is a fine example of the seed 

 planters on the "agitator" principle. This agitator is a finger 

 of iron in the seed box which projects just over the orifice 

 from which the seed drops and by a motion given it by the 

 revolving of the wheel, keeps the seed continually stirred and 

 thus prevents its clogging, — a trouble to every gardener when 

 planting such seed as beet and parsnip. Were I called upon 

 to recommend a seed sower for general work it would be the 

 Matthews ; all in the market have more or less of good 

 qualities but I have found that the Matthews combines more 

 than any other one. 



On light soil hand cultivators are useful. These are now 



