76 
Report on the Agricultural Implements at 
appearance of the tram-car horses, numbers of them dying, often 
actually in harness (one of the best-managed companies, that 
running through Chestnut and Walnut streets, lost in thirty days 
over 100 horses) ; whilst the mules, presenting a sleek, well-fed 
appearance, trotted along with their loads without turning a 
hair, and, however hot the weather, appeared always full of life. 
They are not considered either fast or heavy enough for the 
cars ; but for light waggons they answer admirably, and much 
of the goods traffic is done by these patient animals. Mr. 
Young considers mules very superior to horses for endurance, 
and especially adapted to a hot climate. But even mules re- 
quire attention, and the master's eye is of great value in seeing 
the first signs of fatigue. I was told that on many occasions 
during the last summer it had been necessary to take them out 
of harness, place them under shelter, and apply water to the 
head, although they are much less liable to sunstroke than horses. 
Considering the great value of mules, as evidenced by their 
employment for both rmanufacturing and agricultural purposes, 
I was surprised to learn that they were not recognised in the 
Philadelphia live-stock show, or, if prizes were offered, there 
was no competition. 
The first example of a Gang Plough I shall give is that made by Messrs. 
Deere and Co., Moline, Illinois, a leading firm in the West, whose exhibit at 
Philadelphia was very complete in this department. The chief point in this 
implement is simplicity. The plough is operated by one lever, the handle 
of which is on the left-hand side of the driver. The wheels are of uniform 
diameter ; their relative position is obtained by the axles being differently 
cranked ; both the pole and the beams are attached to the main axle, and 
the latter are extended behind the wheels. I may here remark that the 
American mould-boards are much shorter, more abrupt, and stronger than 
the English ; doubtless because the ground is often much rougher. 
The Sulky — i.e. one-furrow — plough, made on the same principle, is equally 
commendable for simplicit)', strength, and efficiency. This is operated by 
one lever only, which is moved into different notches according to the depth 
required. A disc coulter is used. This is intended for three horses abreast, 
one on the right-hand side of the pole, two on the left, with compensating 
whippletrees. This plough is capable of doing good work, being simple in 
construction and strong in material. 
i?. D. Bvford and Co., of Pock Island, Illinois, exhibited a number of 
different ploughs, including both double and single- furrows. Their Gang 
Plough was hardly so simple as the last described ; as, in addition to a front 
lever, used to take the ploughs out of ground, each wheel is hung on a separate 
axle, which is bolted to the frame and the depth is adjusted by a screw. The 
beams are very well braced. On the whole, I prefer the construction of the 
Deere Plough, because the movement of one lever affects both wheels. The 
mould-boards are made of patent cast steel, thoroughly hardened, and the 
shares are also of cast steel. Messrs. Buford make an extra strong Gang 
Plough for the Californian trade. The screws are easily operated, and are 
very convenient for hillside ploughing. 
The same firm make an excellent Sulky Plough, which is entirely of iron, 
and those parts subject to the most strain are wrought. The beam of the 
