32 
VEGETABLE GARDENING 
currence is to plow land and let it lie for many days 
without harrowing. Except for fall plowing no greater 
mistake can be made, for during the interval between 
plowing and harrowing an enormous amount of soil 
moisture escapes and thorough pulverization of the soil 
when dried is almost impossible. No more land should 
be plowed than can be harrowed at least once the same day. 
69. Dragging. — Figure 1 shows a homemade device 
known in different sections as a plank drag, float, planker, 
clod crusher or slicker. It is valuable both as a pulver- 
FIG. I. PLANK DRAG 
izer and a leveler. Drags differ greatly in size and style 
of construction. Whatever the form of construction the 
principles involved are the same. The drag is not so 
essential if the Meeker smoothing harrow is available, 
but in the absence of this tool it cannot be dispensed 
with. It is especially valuable in preparing a very fine, 
smooth surface for small seeds or delicate plants. 
70. Soil preparation. — Inexperienced gardeners are 
often undecided as to the best order for tillage operations 
after plowing. Suppose that a heavy sod has been plowed 
and that the soil is a clay loam, what tools should be 
