In cultivating corn, the "Tractivator" is a marvel. The motor is 

 attached to the rear of the frame with a flexible connection. The 

 operator sits on the cultivator and operates it with his feet or hands in 

 the same way that he would operate the implement if drawn by horses. 

 The operator is not obliged to give any attention whatever to the motor, 

 but steers the cultivator, and the tractor takes cares of itself. The 

 operator can run close to the hill and dodge irregular hills more easily 

 than with a horse-drawn implement. In plowing eighty acres of corn 

 last year with an experimental machine, as much work was done with it 

 in two days (counting the same number of hours) as two horses could do 

 in three days. It has the advantage over horses in that it does not tire; 

 hence, no time is lost if the operator is ambitious. The cost of operating 

 is no greater than the maintenance of an average team of horses. 



The "Tractivator" can be attached to a mower, hay rake, corn 

 planter, seeder or harrow. It will run a binder if conditions are favor- 

 able, and under adverse conditions also if the binder is equipped with a 

 motor. It will pull a 14" plow going eight or nine inches deep in heavy 

 soil. In short, this tractor will do any work on the farm that can be 

 done with a span of horses. 



For stationary work, it will drive any machine that can be propelled 

 with a 9 H. P. gasoline engine. In addition to many excellent functions 

 it will perform, the cost will not exceed the price of a good team of 



horses. 



SEED-BED 



OF the four essential steps in the production of farm crops mentioned 

 in a previous chapter, namely — the seed-bed, fertility, selection of 

 seed and cultivation — the seed-bed deserves special consideration, for if 

 it is not properly made, the defects will be reflected in the final produc- 

 tion, regardless of how carefully the three remaining features are 

 observed. 



We realize that the seeding season is short, and that to comply with 

 all the requirements, the average farmer is unable to plant a great 

 acreage, but we contend and we know that if the seed-bed of one acre is 

 made right, it will produce as much as two acres improperly prepared. 



The seed-bed is a laboratory containing chemical elements which are 

 used in making plant food compounds. Soil bacteria are the chemists 

 and the plants are the consumers. Plants are exacting in their require- 

 ments, and if denied any of the essentials, in whole or part, the farmer 

 suffers the penalty when the harvest is gathered. 

 Requirements 



The chemists or soil bacteria and the plants enjoy a roomy, sanitary 

 home; they require a sufficient amount of all of the inorganic elements 

 necessary to plant growth and a good supply of organic substances. 

 They perish if atmospheric oxygen is denied them, and water is just as 



