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not complain of our smaller agricultural tools, when compared 

 with those of any other nation. 



Perhaps the same may be said of our ploughs, upon the con- 

 struction of which we have devoted so much time and skillful 

 attention, during the last quarter of a century. It is a fact 

 worthy of notice, however, that the American, who claims to 

 have the best plough that can be made, is by no means the best 

 ploughman. In this respect, many other people excel us ; the 

 Italian somewhat, even with his rude implement, and the 

 Scotchman very considerablv, with his model plough for heavy 

 lands. That straight and even furrow, so characteristic of the 

 farming of the latter, is but little known to us. And we would 

 suggest that for ploughing our heaviest and strongest lands, the 

 length of our ploughs from heel to point should be materially 

 'increased, and with it the length of the mould-board ; believ- 

 ing as we do, that a plough thus constructed is more easily 

 handled by an unskillful laborer, than one which is shorter, 

 lighter, and more difficult to control. 



Not so much in our plough, however, may any improvement 

 be made for the benefit of those deficient in skill, as in those 

 implements employed lor pulverizing and cleaning the land. 

 These are very important to the farmer who is engaged in rais- 

 ing roots, or any other crops which require careful cultivation. 

 We need very much a convenient and effectual grubber and 

 horse hoe ; one which can be used previously to planting, to rid 

 the land of weeds and grass roots ; and afterwards among the 

 plants for stirring the soil and keeping it clean. We need a light 

 and cheap, and easily managed dibble, for seeding our turnips 

 and mangolds and carrots. This of itself would save great labor 

 in the outset 5 but we need still more some implement which will 

 take the place of that great number of hands which we must 

 now employ in weeding and thinning these crops. 



Of the machinery now used in haymaking, we have a very 

 good supply. The construction of the mowing-machine has 

 gone so far, as to leave hardly anything to be desired in the 

 way of improvement. And the skill of the farmer in its use 



