Description of the Drill Plough of Tirhoot. 
135 
the circumstance, that the machine which forms the subject of this paper, is entirely 
managed by natives ; and performs its functions with a celerity and precision, not 
to be surpassed by the more costly and complex, though more elegant manufacture 
of the European artisan. 
The great ends of all mechanical contrivances, simplicity combined with econo- 
my and efficiency, is as much provided for in this homely looking machine, as 
could be desired or devised. It is far from being insinuated that this machine cannot 
he improved : on the contrary, there is ample room to invite improvement : one man 
invents, but others refine on the invention ; and thus the honour of the original dis- 
covery, is frequently wrested from the right owner. 
The author of this essay lays no claim to the invention of this machine; which 
lie believes, was first introduced by the proprietors of the works hereinafter alluded 
to: but having been early engaged in the irnligo culture, and being firmly convinced 
that the general system of cultivating that plant can be practically in-proved ; be has 
no hesitation, in making the use of this machine more generally known: in order, 
that those whose custom it is “ to try all things, and hold fast that which is good 
mav indulge their useful penchant, at little cost. 
One moving power (that of the bullocks employed in drawing it) effects as much, 
and to as much purpose as the mighty steam engine itself. By the following de- 
scription, aided by a reference to the plate ; the simplicity, yet perfect efficiency of 
this machine, maybe readily understood. 
A is a semicircular trough, in which the indigo seed is deposited. Horizontally 
through this trough the iron axle B of the wheels C C is inserted ; being kept in true 
revolve by an iron plate or shoulder C D firmly rivetted to it, and fitting close to 
each inner end of the trough. On this iron axle, within side the trough; are fixed 
two small circular wheels D D, having at the distance of every inch, holes |th of an 
inch deep, bored in a slanting direction, and made very smooth inside. E E are 
hvo straight iron ploughshares, which form the drills : these shares are of solid iron 
in front, but hollow for about one half of their side dimensions; so that they form at 
their back part a kind of channel down which the seed is conducted, from the hop- 
pers. Tliis, not only ensures the seed being conveyed straight into the furrow; but pro- 
tects it from the wind ; which might otherwise blow it aside, immediately it left the 
hopper. 
I F are the hoppers, cut through a solid piece of wood, in the point of the ma- 
chine to which it serves as a girder: the outlet of the hoppers, and the grooved 
sides of the ploughshares ; are immediately perpendicular to each other. 
G G are the rollers, which cover up the drills after the seed has been deposited : 
Iheir mechanism is sufficiently obvious. 
H is the pole, having near its upper extremity, two or three grooves or notches III. 
By fixing the small rest J of the yoke K into these notches or grooves ; the plough- 
shares, being consequently elevated or depressed, make deeper or shallower furrows as 
may be deemed requisite. In this part of the machine, an improvement might be effect- 
ed: either, by making the ploughshares to be set higher or lower at pleasure, bvme»ns_ 
of the elevating serew;or at less expense, by means of a third wheel, in the middle of 
“e fore part of the machine, immediately under the stock of the pole ; which wheel, 
funning in an iron bed on each side, drilled with holes at various distances, might 
™’e a stout iron pin as an axle, the shifting of which higher or lower, would cause 
,llc shares to cut a deeper or shallower furrow. At present this effect is produced, by 
Causing the yoke to rest heavier or lighter on the necks of the cattle engaged in the 
w ork. Amongst other improvements of this machine;that of a ploughtail or handle to 
cusnre straight drilling, might advantageously he adopted. At present, one man walks 
j’l'the side of the machine; to clear the hoppers in the event of any seed adhering, m 
its progress through them. The same might act as ploughman, which part is now taken 
b )'te driver: and as the regularity of the drills is only provided for by the accuracy 
Wl , th which this man can guide his cattle ; the hoppers might be made to clear them- 
selvcs, by means of a spring wire kept in motion by small cog wheels, or other 
'■“Pie contrivance. . . 
f he ploughshares are fixed into the fore part of the machine, by means of an iron 
; which is strongly hammered through a hole in their upper part : by this means, 
the ploughshares are removeable at pleasure. . , , „ . . 
The land intended to he sown, having been previously rendered fine by repeated 
P oughings and harrowings, with the common native plough and Amiga ; and all 
clods, weeds, &c. removed; the trough is filled with well dried seed to about the level 
°* the iron axle, and every thing being adjusted, the bullocks are urged on. ine 
! «Mes cut the furrow ; the wheels of the machine turn those of the trough : the slant- 
