WEED-HOOK AND CHAIX. 141 



attained by the use of a heavy chain ; and different modes 

 are used for attaching it to the plow. One of the sim- 

 plest is to fasten one end to the right-hand portion of the 

 main whiffle-tree, and the other to the right handle. In 

 another mode, the chain forms a loop. All these modes 

 of burying vegetable growth are important in turning 

 under clover and other green crops. 



The weed-hook is usually made of round rod-iron, stiff 

 enough to perform its work, and to possess some spring 

 when it meets with obstructions. Those not accustomed 

 to its use may adjust its position by bending it, until it 

 performs satisfactorily. It is secured to the j^low-beam 

 by placing the forward end in a small groove cut lengtli- 

 wise in the under side of the beam, passing a band over 

 it, and wedging until properly secured. Lighter and moce 

 perfect weed-hooks may be made of steel rod, similar to 

 that used for rake teeth ; they will bend back on meet- 

 ing obstructions, and spring again into position. Such 

 weed-hooks should be made and sold with the other ap- 

 pendages of plows, now that the inversion, of green clover 

 for manure has become an essential part of good farming. 

 Sometimes the weed-hook is made to extend at right 

 angles to the plow-beam, curving outwards and down- 

 wards. This form requires greater stiffness, and small bar- 

 iron is used. 



Ko plow will cover weeds or other growth two or three 

 feet high ; but by the use of this hook, the whole is laid 

 completely under the surface. 



Regulating Wheel. It has long been a question witli 

 plow men whether the wheel under the beam for regula- 

 ting depth is really a disadvantage or a benefit. It is fully 

 shown in the able Report by J. Stanton Gould, of the Trial 

 of Plows at Utica, drawn from accurate experiments, that 

 the wheel not only gives better plowing with moderate 

 skill, but that it slightly lessens the draught. Uniformity 

 in the depth of the slice is preserved, without constant 



