What the Implements Do 



393 



be the better for shallow plowing, for it is often desirable 

 to compact the sub-soil rather than to loosen it. There 

 are conditions and conditions. 



Plowing has three general offices: (a) to break and pul- 

 verize the soil to fit it for the growth of the crop ; (h) to 

 turn under and cover the surface herbage, or the manure; 

 (c) to begin the preparation of a seed-bed in which the 

 plant may get a start. In the plowing of the sandy soils, 

 the second office may be sought; only a good seed-bed is 

 desired, for the land is loose enough without the plowing. 

 In the clay field, all offices are sought. Not deep plow- 

 ing nor shallow plowing is a principle: it is only a means 

 of accomplishing a desired result. 



The seed-bed of the general field is finished by the har- 

 row. The soil is maintained in tilth by the harrow. The 

 harrow, therefore, is an implement both for preparing and 

 maintaining the soil condition. 



If the land is light, loose or sandy, tillage presents few 

 difficulties and relatively little expense. If it is hard clay, 

 tillage must be nicely managed for best results. Many 

 persons expend more time and muscle on clay lands than, 

 are required. The one important item is timeliness. When 

 the soil is betwixt wet and dry, it breaks as it turns from 

 the plow. Turn it up loose and open. Then let it lie for 

 a few hours or a day. As the clods begin to dry, work 

 roughly with a strong harrow, as a spading-harrow, spring- 

 tooth, or acme. Do not try to work it down fine. As the 

 lumps begin to dry after the next rain, hit them with the 

 boot. If they break and crumble, work the land again, 

 this time with a lighter harrow. A few timely workings 

 when the soil is Just right will accomplish more than thrice 



