180 CHRONICLES OF A CLAY FARM. 



the share, in an exact ratio with the weight of soil 

 lifted, plus that of the force required to effect the 

 cleavage, and the weight of the instrument itself. 

 Were there no other reason for saying it than this, 

 this alone would entitle the philosophic machinist 

 to say, and see, that the plough was never meant to 

 be immortal. The mere invention of the subsoiler is 

 a standing commentary on the mischief done by the 

 plough. 



Why then should we struggle for its survival under 

 the new dynasty of Steam ? The true object is not 

 to perpetuate, but as soon as possible to get rid of it. 

 Why poke an instrument seven or eight inches under 

 the clod, to tear it up in the mass by main force, for 

 other instruments to act upon, toiling and treading it 

 down again, in ponderous attempts at cultivation 

 wholesale, when by simple abrasion of the surface 

 by a revolving toothed instrument, with a span as 

 broad as the hay-tedding machine or CROSSKILL'S 

 clod-crusher, you can perform the complete work of 

 comminution in the most light, compendious, and per- 

 fect detail ? 



Imagine such an instrument (not rolling on the 

 ground, but) performing independent revolutions be- 

 hind its locomotive, cutting its way down by surface 



