On the Reduction of Horse Labour by single Carts. 83 



wheel, when the whole carriage is allowed to move with the 

 working- of the animal's limbs. 



My dung carts I have stated, are taken from the improved 

 Cumberland cart, which measures 60 inches long x 47 J inches 

 wide X 17 inches deep = 1 cubic yard = 21 bushels, and it tilts with 

 a spring-key stick which adjusts itself as the horse moves forward : 

 the wheels are about 4 feet 6 inches high, and are set so far apart 

 as conveniently to span two 27-inch ridges ; yet this distance must 

 again be in some degree subservient to the cart-ruts of a district. 

 Its weight is 8 cwt. I had 7 dung-carts and 6 harvest-carts 

 made ; and amongst them four pairs of broad wheels. All the 

 axletrees and boxes being of the same stage-coach pattern, the 

 wheels can be shifted as circumstances require. Fewer pairs 

 might be made than carriages, but it is much more convenient 

 to have them all ready for service. Some of my dung-carts have 

 frames fitted for harvest-work if required. It is very desirable 

 to have as many dung-carts as horses (T mean, of course, on 

 the reduced scale), when every horse can have employment when 

 only carting-work can be carried on. The moderate height and 

 weight, and yet very strong framing of these carts, fit them for 

 dung, mould, market, and every kind of farm work, as well as for 

 any heavy materials. From their reduced height they are filled 

 with greater proportionate dispatch than 3-horse carts. Yard- 

 dung should be thrown into them by a short-handled tool with 

 wide set prongs, better adapted for giving scope to a labourer's 

 powers for raising a larger quantity to a lesser height than the com- 

 mon long-handled dung-fork, which, being merely a three-pronged 

 pitchfork, is best suited for throwing small quantities to the top 

 of a high cart. The Scotch " gripe," and the Kentish dung-fork, 

 are the proper tools, which (particularly the latter) possess the 

 properties of both lever and fulcrum for wrenching up the close 

 trodden litter, while the workman with the common strait long- 

 handled tool is compelled to use his knee for a fulcrum. 



I market my corn according to the northern practice, in the 

 dung- cart. It is not so convenient to unload sacks from as a 

 waggon, but the load it carries, viz., 5 qrs. of wheat, 6 qrs. of 

 barley, and other grain in proportion, and in back carriage half a 

 waggon load of ashes, compensates for small inconveniencies : 

 and one horse delivers 10 qrs. of wheat. Sic, at two trips when 

 the distance does not exceed 5 or 6 miles. The only objection 

 that I have heard the carters make to the system is thus carrying 

 out the corn : they find themselves singular, and making but a bad 

 figure by the side of a waggon and team of horses : they should 

 be indulged with a reserve of the best carts kept well painted, 

 and washed after being used for manure, and with harness a little 

 ornamented. In going out with a string of carts care should be 



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