Practical Questions in Plows and Plowing. 165 



This result might have been reasonably expected, as when the 

 plow strikes a stone or other ol)struction the horses will naturally 

 exert all their strength, and by so doing cause a wide sweep of 

 oscillation. 



We can say in conclusion that the results o1)tained upon this 

 point by Messrs. Morton and Pusey are fully corroborated by 

 our own observations. We could detect no difference between 

 the draught at high or low speeds, except such as are within the 

 limit usually allowed for errors of observation. In fact, the 

 dynamometer sometimes showed a less draught at a high speed 

 than it did at a low one. 



This is quite in accordance with other experiments which have 

 been made to ascertain the laws of friction, which show that it is 

 entirely independent of velocity. 



The resistance to the action of the plow is made up of the 

 weight of the plow pressing upon the sole, with the superadded 

 weight of the furrow slice; the friction of the land side against 

 the earth; the friction of the furrow slice against the surface of 

 the mould-board; the splitting action of the coulter, and the force 

 required to lift up and turn over the furrow slice. It is only in 

 this latter case that the real work performed is increased by the 

 velocity, and this is so small a proportion of the whole force that 

 it may be safely neglected in practice. 



It will be seen at once by every farmer that the conclusion 

 we have come to, in view of the experiments, is one of very 

 great practical value. It shows, as Mr. Morton remarks, "the 

 importance of employing draught animals which naturally walk 

 at a rapid pace. Sucti animals, with same effort, get through 

 double the work of those of a more sluggish movement. With 

 the same effort, and therefore at no greater expense to the farmer. 

 The employment of active animals is obviously one of the most 

 influential methods of diminishing the expense of horse labor." 



In view of these experiments, Mr. Pusey remarks: "Here, 

 then, it appears to me we have found the secret of the Scotch 

 horse's superior performance as to quality of work done. Though 

 they are stepping briskly along at a pace which enables them to 

 work five-quarters of an acre in a day, while the dragging walk 

 of the other horses carries them through three-quarters of an 

 acre only in the same time. They feel the weight of the plow 

 certainly not more than the others; perhaps even less. Let the 

 horses be lively enough to face their work boldly, and step out 



