AMERICAN INSTITUTE. 505 



ing by the feet of the team. Could the harrow frame be furnished 

 with cultivator teeth, it would become a more sensible imple- 

 ment. The cultivator teeth, being large at the bottom, elevate 

 and loosen the soil, like double plows, while the spaces between 

 the teeth are so small that once going over the ground in most 

 soils will complete the operation. The harrow, however, even 

 witli this imj^rovement, is a primitive tool, and must in time be 

 radically changed. Perhaps a cheaper modification of Croskill's 

 Clodcrusher is destined to occupy its place in general use. Hav- 

 ing our land manured, plowed, and harrowed, it is in condition 

 to receive the crop, and when in this state of preparation it is 

 usually esteemed perfect. Many soils — indeed all that are not 

 either very wet or very stiff — are susceptible of still further im- 

 provement by the use of the roller. This, having a broad surface 

 of contact, does not compact the soil to any great extent while it 

 completely pulverizes the upper portion of the soil which receives 

 tlie seed, completes the levelling process, and presses all small 

 stones into the soil, so that if the land is to be mowed, no impedi- 

 ment will be oflfered to the scythe or mowing-machine. If the 

 roller can bs used after seeding, it hastens and insures the germi- 

 nation of the seed, because it com]3resses the earth more closely 

 about it and excludes the air more perfectly, which tends to aid 

 the process of sprouting. My own roller is preceded by a heavy 

 rake, which assists in pulverizing the soil, and covers the foot- 

 tracks of the team. This rake is supplied with a foot-brake, so 

 that the driver may raise it at pleasure to pass over stones, or to 

 and from the field. I consider it a very valuable addition. 



SPRING PREPARATION OF GROUND 



Mr. Olcott. 



Before any attention can be given to the ground, the farmer 

 must look to the instruments he will employ in working it, viz : 

 his teams and tools ; therefore 



If any one has not been enough of a truly practical farmer to 

 have had his plows, harrows, rollers, drills, &c., properly housed 

 throughout the winter, they should be at once brought up from 

 the field or fence corner where they are lying, cleaned, scraped, 

 painted, and thoroughly repaired. There should always be an 

 extra plow point or so on tlie place, to be instantly used as old 

 ones are worn out. 



I have been compelled to lose half a day in the busiest season 

 of plowing, to send after a plow point, or have the old one sharp- 



