CHAPTER XXXII 

 THE PLOW 



The Plow. The plow is universally recognized as the 

 principal and most fundamental implement used on the 

 farm, it being often included in emblems representing the 

 great industry of agriculture. The plow is a very simple 

 tool, if we consider the walking implement, and the sulky 

 or gang plow is not exceedingly complicated. Yet in the 

 selection, operation, and adjustment of the plow there are 

 many important features to be considered. 



The Selection of a Plow. As with any other imple- 

 ment, the selection of a plow will depend in a large measure 

 upon the conditions to be met. A farmer owning a farm 

 with small fields would not want a steam plow; nor would 

 a farmer having large level fields want small walking plows, 

 when a single driver could handle a gang just as well. The 

 walking plow is useful in small lots and in getting close to 

 the fence in finishing up the lands plowed with a larger 

 plow, and for these reasons it should be a part of the equip- 

 ment of every farm. 



Size. The sizes of plow which should be selected is 

 determined largely by the condition of the soil and the 

 amount of power or the number of horses available. The 

 average size (width of furrow) for a walking plow is 16 

 inches, and the horse gang usually has two 12- or 14-inch 

 plows, or bottoms, as they are called. 



Types of Plows. There are three distinct types of plows 

 upon the market, as classified by the shape of the mold- 

 board: First, the breaker, with a long moldboard to turn 



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