140 MECHANICS. 



THE PARING PLOW 



consists merely of a flat blade, which runs beneath the 

 surface, shaving off the roots, but not moving the soil 

 {Fig". 114). It is used in cutting turf for burning, 



Fig. 114. 



and for destroying thistles and other deep-rooted weeds. 

 When made light for a single horse, it is sometimes 

 used advantageously for cutting the grass and weeds 

 between rows of corn. A two-horse paring plow has 

 been lately constructed, in which the depth of cutting 

 is accurately regulated by wheels placed on an axle 

 like those of a cart. The cast-iron blade, which cuts 

 about three feet wide, is raised or depressed by means 

 of screws passing through the axle. Its chief utility 

 is in destroying grass and weeds before the sowing of 

 broadcast crops. 



THE GANG PLOW 



consists of three or four small mould-boards placed side 

 by side {Fig. 115), and is used for shallow plowing, or 

 burying manure or seed on inverted sod, without dis- 

 turbing the turf beneath. In those of the best con- 

 struction, the depth is regulated by wheels, and the 

 breadth of the furrows by turning the cross-beam more 



