124 CONTINUOUS CROPPING 



into action, a pull on the lever and the putting back of 

 the cotter-pin is all that need be done. 



It should also be seen that the disc purchased has a 

 swivel wheel front, and in working a hill, lift the front 

 of the machine fairly high, so as to make the discs cut 

 deeper. 



Another advantage of working up and down the hill 

 is that two horses have no difficulty in working a big 

 three-horse disc. Travelling on the wheels going up 

 the hill, it is very light draught, and coming down the 

 hill, of course, reduces the pull. The over-lap stroke 

 mentioned in a previous chapter should also be used 

 in working the disc. 



After discing, the land may or may not require the 

 cultivator. That will depend on the nature of the soil. 

 This implement, like the disc, can be used up or down 

 or across according to the slope of the land. 



Next, level and harrow the land fine with the spring- 

 tooth, broadcast the seed, cover in winter-green seed 

 with the grass-harrow, and bigger seed, vetch, etc., 

 with the spring-tooth. 



The land should also be rolled. RoUing, of course, 

 must be done across, as on a steep hillside nothing short 

 of an elephant could pull a roller against the hill. There 

 are some hillsides, indeed, where a roller can't be used 

 even crossways with safety. In this case the land can 

 be firmed with a plank-leveller, which any handy-man 

 can make for himself, planks or old railway sleepers 

 being used for the purpose. A temporary firming of 

 the land is sufficient, since as soon as there is a bite on 

 the land, sheep or young cattle can be allowed out to 

 graze, and in grazing will firm the land. 



CHEAP AND QUICK TILLAGE 



This whole operation of cultivating an acre of 

 mountain land is done in a day by a man and a team 



