78 FIELD CROPS 



shovels on each side, the individual shovels somewhat 

 smaller but still comparatively large; and those with four 

 or more rather small shovels on either side. There are also 

 the so-called surface cultivators with flat blades instead of 

 shovels, and disk cultivators. The blades of the surface 

 cultivators are set diagonally and run just under the surface 

 of the ground. 



89. Uses of Different Types. It is evident that some of 

 these types of cultivators are better adapted to some con- 

 ditions than to others, and that all of them have their place. 

 It is also evident that the number of shovels, the size of 

 shovels, their arrangement, and the way they pass through 

 the soil have much to do with the clogging of the gangs by 

 weeds or other refuse that may be in the soil. Clogging and 

 inability to tear up heavy, weedy soil are some of the objec- 

 tions to cultivators having several small shovels on either 

 side. Those having two or three rather large shovels are 

 objectionable chiefly because, in order to stir thoroughly 

 all of the ground over which they pass, it is often necessary 

 to run the shovels deeper than is desirable, with the result 

 that the corn roots are injured. Surface cultivators are 

 ideal so far as avoiding root injury and keeping weeds cut 

 off below the surface are concerned, but are not as efficient 

 as the shovel types in loosening the soil, in working in very 

 weedy land, or where there is a great deal of coarse manure. 

 On this account, it appears that for general work on the farm 

 a cultivator with three or four moderate-sized shovels on 

 either side, set diagonally so they are not likely to be clogged 

 with weeds or refuse, is the more desirable type of implement 

 for general use. If a combination machine can be had, on 

 which blades for surface cultivation and sets of shovels can 

 be used as desired, a still better implement is available. 



