chap n. THE COUNTY OF FIFE. 125 



such principles as to require less power to draw 

 it, and to perform the work with greater exact- 

 ness and perfection. Few ploughs, constructed 

 entirely according to the form of Mr Small's, 

 are used in this counry. They are thought not 

 to answer well, and therefore not in general 

 estimation. This, however, may be owing, not 

 to any defect in the form of the plough, when 

 properly made, but to the want of skill in our 

 mechanics, who may not be able to execute the 

 work with sufficient exactness. 



The plough most commonly in use has no 

 chain ; the sheath is of wood, and \\ ithout cur- 

 vature ; and the mould-board, instead of being 

 hollow, is round. The beam, though sufficient- 

 ly low behind, is formed with such a curvature 

 as to bring the bridle down to the proper line 

 of draught, and is frequently strengthened with 

 a plate of iron planted on each side, and extend- 

 ing the whole length ; or, in place of these, with 

 a plate of iron on the lower side. The part 

 where the coulter passes through it, is fortified 

 with a piece of iron above and below. But a 

 great part of this iron work is unnecessary, as 

 the beam seldom gives way, except at the coul- 

 ter or sheath ; and therefore, if properly secur- 

 ed at these points, there will be little danger of 

 failure. 



The hollow mould-board is certainly best for 

 opening up stiff ground, and for ploughing ley, 

 strong clay, or such land as admits of a clean 

 furrow. But when the mould is loose* wet, 

 and apt to fasten to the plough, the round 

 rnould-board seems to be preferable, as it clears 



