838 



BOARD OP AGRICULTURE, 



and easy. So far as its form and mechanical finish are con 

 cerned, it is all that could be desired. 



Among the advantages claimed for the Collins cast cast-steel 

 plough, are : Firsts that it will last much longer than any other 

 steel plough. Sheet steel is often " cut through " after a short 

 wear in gritty soils : Second, that it will scour in the most diffi- 

 cult soils, where other ploughs fail, the extreme hardness of the 

 steel preventing all scratching, and the high polish enabling it 

 to shed the mould, however sticky it may be : Third, that it 

 draws one-fifth lighter than other ploughs cutting the same width 

 and depth : Fourth, that the share can be sharpened, or a new 

 steel point welded on as readily as on the ordinary plougli, by 

 any blacksmith, the steel being perfectly malleable, and working 

 kindly : Fifth, that any section can be duplicated or replaced, 

 the share, land-side, and mouldboard, being cast in moulds. 



Though absolutely essential to the prairie soils of the West, a 

 steel plough is equally serviceable on many other soils, and 

 many think it superior on account of its greater lightness of 

 weight and of draught. 



A plough is often required for side hills, or rough and uneven 

 land where the ordinary plough cannot readily be worked. 



SWIVEL PLOUGH. 



"What is called the Swivel plough, is used for this purpose, 

 the mouldboard being constructed double, and so as to re- 

 volve from one side of the standard and beam to the other, 

 making a riglit or left hand plough at pleasure, while the team 

 is in the act of turning at the end of the land. Tlie hook 

 being lifted it turns of itself, or with only a slight effort, from 

 one side to the otlier. The plouglunan may begin on the lower 

 edge of a side liill, and turn his furrows all down the slope, or 

 he may begin on one side of a level field, and lay his furrows 



