KINDS OF CULTIVATOR SHOVELS 187 



In some of the more southwestern corn producing states, the double- 

 row cultivators are frequently used and are found to be very prac- 

 ticable, being equipped with four gangs of four shovels each, and 

 drawn by three horses. As one of these completes the cultivation of 

 two rows each time it crosses the field, one man can cultivate about 

 15 acres a day. In many sections it is often difficult to obtain labor- 

 ers when they are needed. With one of these two-row cultivators one 

 man can practically do the work of two with single-row culti- 

 vators. The quality of the work may sufifer some, however. Not- 

 withstanding this, their use is likely to increase, especially in the com- 

 paratively level sections that are free from stumps and rocks. Most 

 forms of these two-row cultivators are mounted on two wheels like 

 two-horse, single-row cultivators. Very stumpy land or tall corn may 

 necessitate the use of a one-horse cultivator. 



The best kind of shovel with which to equip either single or double 

 cultivators must be determined by the character of the soils, size 

 of the corn, and size and nature of the growth of the weeds to be 

 destroyed. Without exception, any shovel found to do good work 

 on a one-horse cultivator can be attached to a double or two-row 

 cultivator. For light, sandy land, sweeps are in favor. They are of 

 various width, from six to 30 inches. The sweeps scrape along the 

 soil at a depth of two inches, cutting off the weeds and allowing the 

 surface soil to pass over them and fall level and flat behind the culti 

 vator. The same result is accomplished with the double cultivator 

 in New England where it is known as a horse-hoe or hoeing machine. 

 This implement was originally made for tobacco cultivation, the long, 

 horizontal blades or shears which extend toward the row from the 

 uprights which fasten to the beam, serve well to reach under the 

 tobacco plant and cut weeds and loosen the soil without breaking 

 the leaves. 



In general the four-shovel cultivator, goes too deep for cultivating 

 corn after the first time over. This is especially true if the weeds 

 were destroyed with the first cultivation. The four shovel cultivator 

 in fact plows the corn instead of cultivating it. Such treatment is 

 often necessary to destroy the weeds, after which shallow cultivation 

 should be practiced. This may be done by using small shovels, four 

 to six on a side, or with the surface cultivator. 



All forms of shovels should be so adjusted that the loosened soil 

 will make a fine and even covering for the firmer soil beneath. Ridges 

 left by the shovels make a larger surface for evaporation, and allow 



