The U volution of Agricultural Implements. 
59 
Among modern cultivators, that of Clay may be selected as 
a type exhibiting a very excellent combination of qualities. The 
curved grubbing tines of this implement are secured to a square 
bar of iron in such a way that they can be shifted laterally upon 
it, and again keyed in place, with great facility. A high lift, 
giving an easy entry to the points of the tines, is obtained by 
rocking the square iron bar in question by means of a long lever, 
while the form of the tines is such that, when fully raised, they 
clear themselves of stubble, weeds, &c., by the action of gravity. 
When broadshares are used instead of tines their pitch can be 
regulated with the utmost ease and nicety. The well-known 
and excellent cultivators of Coleman and Morton must not be 
omitted from mention in this brief review of a class of 
implements of which Clay’s is probably the most interesting 
to the mechanic. 
Harroivs . — The function of a harrow is exactly that of a gar- 
dener’s rake. It is used either to prepare a seed bed or to cover 
seed. In the one case, it operates by breaking clods, bringing 
weeds to the surface, and making a tilth ; in the other, by 
dragging down the sides of the furrows in which the seed is left 
by the drill. 
Armstrong’s zigzag harrows, patented in 1839, are the 
parents of all the tined harrows of the present day, modern im- 
provements in these implements being almost entirely confined 
to the perfecting of devices for the more efficient fastening of 
the tines to the frame, to jointing the latter in order to give flexi- 
bility, and to folding the tines themselves for facility of packing. 
“Web” or “chain-harrows,” consisting of interwoven links 
having the appearance of coarse chain armour, were first invented 
by Smith, of Deaiiston, in 1842, and are used chiefly for cleaning 
grass land in the early spring. 
Clod-crushers and rollers are in almost constant use on the 
farm during the spring and summer months, reducing cloddy 
surfaces to tilth, consolidating land loosened by frost, or pressing 
it around the I’oots of springing crops. 
With regard to rollers, it is only needful to call attention to 
the plan, introduced by Barford, of filling closed cylinders 
either with water or sand, thus economising materials while 
securing a maximum weight in the roller. 
The well-known Crosskill Clod-crusher, patented in 1841, 
is a roller consisting of numerous serrated discs strung loosely 
on an axle, and having a function sufficiently indicated by its 
name. Of this simple and effective tool it is only needful to 
repeat the common remark that it is, for its purposes, “ beyond 
the reach of improvement.” 
