292 AGRICULTURE 



Tools to Use. Every farmer should know and use the tools 

 which give the best results for his land and his crops. The shape 

 of a plow, for instance, should be adapted to the soil and to the pur- 

 pose for which it is to be used. Every plow should, as farmers say, 

 'swim free,' requiring little pressure on the handles to guide it. 

 It should ' enter the ground easily, run steadily, and clean itself well.' 



Care of Tools. Good tools, as has been said, are a good in- 

 vestment for the farmer. But he loses the profit on his investment 

 if by misuse or neglect he changes good tools into bad ones. Every 

 year farm machinery worth millions of dollars is injured and lost 

 by lack of care. Tools should be kept clean and well oiled, the 

 nuts tight, with all parts properly adjusted. A machine is no 

 stronger than its weakest part. Its usefulness ends when this is 

 broken by careless use, or worn out by friction caused by improper 

 adjustment, dirt, and lack of oil. Replacement of old parts by 

 new ones is expensive. A good machine may have its life so 

 shortened by misuse and neglect as to be a source of loss instead 

 of profit to its owner. 



Tools should be protected against exposure to weather. The 

 rust of metal and the weathering of woodwork during a winter's 

 exposure injures tools more than does a season's use. When plows 

 and other tools are laid by, even for a few weeks, they should be 

 cleaned, wiped dry, and protected against rust. Needed repairs 

 should then be made so as to have them ready for use next time. 



On every farm there is needed a shed or house for tools. This 

 should be so arranged that heavy machinery can be driven in at 

 one door and out at another. 



Outbuildings. Outbuildings should be arranged as conveniently 

 as possible, at the back of the house. They should be connected 

 with the house by walks of gravel, cinders, sand, plank, or ce- 

 ment. The stable should not be on the windward side of the 



