14 ESSEX SOCIETY. 



growth of briars and bushes. And if the plough can be made to 

 turn it, it will save much labor with the breaking-up hoe. The 

 mould-board of plough No. 25 is somewhat varied from that of 

 Eagle Nos. 3 and 4, (which we have considered a near approxi- 

 mation to the perfection of plough-making,) so that " it takes a 

 wider and deeper furrow without increasing the draft." The 

 dial-clevis, as we learn from those who have used it, is thought 

 to be a valuable appendage to the plough. We have been more 

 particular in noticing these alterations, as we have ever consider- 

 ed the bringing into use ploughs of impjoved construction, and 

 thereby introducing them to the public, one of the pri7icipal bene- 

 fits accruing from these ploughing matches. 



We have sometimes queried, whether all our ploughing could 

 not be more advantageously done with one yoke of oxen. But 

 in the condition in which this land was, we are satisfied that it 

 required at least the power of two pair of cattle. It is not use- 

 ful, at a ploughing match, to attempt a display of work, such as 

 a good farmer would not approve on his own farm. AVhat we 

 want is, that kind of work which would be most valuable, 

 when applied upon the same kind of land, in the ordinary pro- 

 cess of cultivation. 



The inquiry has sometimes been made. Upon what principles 

 are the premiums awarded ? It is not easy to specify any defi- 

 nite rules, where a combination of all the facts and circumstan- 

 ces should be taken into view. The man who completes his 

 work in the shortest titne, inquires, why the time is noted, if, when 

 the work is so done, it is not to command the premium. The 

 man who cuts his furrow true and lays it uniform, without hur- 

 rying or agitation, thinks that he has complied with the instruc- 

 tions of the committee, and is entitled to reward. And so he 

 has, if the work has been done with a reasonable degree of 

 energy and activity. In judging of ploughing, we think it prop- 

 er to notice the form of the plough used ; the condition of the 

 cattle ; the manner in which they work ; the skill with which 

 the plough is handled ; the size and position of the furrow-slice ; 

 and, combining the considerations connected with each and all 

 these points of view, without attaching undue importance to any 

 one of them, to approve of that work, as best, which would be 



