200 [Assembly 



the prairie plow now in use. This plow is constructed very much 

 on the principle of the * patent plow ' generally in use, the mould 

 side and land side being of cast iron, with a share of cast steel so 

 constructed and set, as to insure complete execution in any soil, and 

 is of great strength and durability. The ground when the experi- 

 ment was made, was by no means favorable, much of it being tough 

 oak barrens — and in our opinion the common plow could not have 

 been used with any degree of success; the common prairie plow 

 now generally used in Illinois, as all farmers know, requires the 

 power of 4, 5 and 6 yoke of oxen, in prairies entirely free from 

 roots; and we are satisfied that the plow of Mr. Butcher would not 

 in any soil require more than 3 yoke. On Mr. Foster's farm, but 

 two small yoke were used, and were to all appearances sufficient for 

 the labor; we were truly astonished to witness the facility and neat- 

 ness with which Mr. Foster was enabled to break his prairies with 

 this plow with but two yoke of light caltle. The plow cuts a fur- 

 row of IS inches, and the size of the roots (principally oak and hick- 

 ory,) which the share cut without stopping the progress of the team 

 was truly astonishing; many of the roots cut in this way were Sand 

 3 inches in diameter. So well are we satisfied, that the invention 

 of Mr. Dutcher will be an available acquisition to the farmer, that 

 we have no hesitation in recommending it as decidedly the best prai- 

 rie plow ever introduced in Illinois; would point out many advanta- 

 ges which this plow possesses; but will content ourselves in saying 

 that the plow of Mr. Dutcher has greater strength — is more dura- 

 ble — may be kept in repair at less expense — executes better — re- 

 quires less power — and is in every respect superior to any plow we 

 have ever seen in use : we cheerfully recommend Mr. Butcher's 

 plow to our iarmers, and wish the inventor every success as a reward 

 tor his enterprise and genius. 



Chas W. Hunter, Kli Foster. 



S. Ryder, John James, 



W. S. Oilman, J. M. Krum, 



Geo. Smith, Geo. Foster, 



Mton, III., June 10, 1839." 



This plow is different from any that I have knowledge of, having 

 a different work to accomplish; the plows that were in use when 

 mine was introduced, usually required five and sometimes six yoke of 

 oxen to plow a furrow 18 inches wide by 3 inches deep — the furrow 

 said to be the best — this proportion furrow will fall side by side, 



