NEW “ TO IMPROVE THE SOIL AND MIND.” SERIES. 
Vol. V. ALBANY, NOVEMBER, 1848. No. 11. 
IMPMSMEWTS AT TMH LATE STATE FAIR. 
The exhibition of implements at the State Fair at 
Buffalo was, in respect to its extent and the general 
value of the articles, the best we have ever seen. 
There were many implements which appear likely to 
become useful, that have not hitherto been extensively 
known, and a brief notice of some which came under 
our observation, may be interesting. 
Seed-sowers ok. Drills. —The introduction of these 
implements among the farmers of this country, is com¬ 
paratively recent. In England, they have been known 
for many years, and their use has been constantly ex¬ 
tending, till it is now considered a maxim there, that 
il the drill is the sheet-anchor of wheat husbandry.” 
We see no reason why the system of drilling wheat or 
other grain, may not be attended with equal advanta¬ 
ges here as in Europe—in fact, so far as it has been 
tried, we think its utility has been demonstrated. Drills 
of English and iscotch manufacture have been imported, 
and several have been made here by our own mechan¬ 
ics ; and we understand that farmers who have tried 
both, are inclined to* give the preference to those of 
*‘ home manufacture,” on account of their simplicity 
and cheapness, while they are equally as efficient and 
precise in their operations. Of these exhibited at Buf¬ 
falo, we noticed Sherman’s, of which a cut and descrip¬ 
tion will be found in another place—and Pennock’s, of¬ 
fered by the same person; Palmer’s offered by Fitch, 
Barry & Co., Brockport, N. Y.; Graggs & Reynold’s, 
offered by O. Reynolds, Webster, Monroe county, N 
'Emery' slh ill Barrow. 
Y. A drill, adapted to sowing all kinds of seeds, by 
hand or horse-power, was shown by H. L. Emery, Al¬ 
bany. Of this we have previously given a description. 
(See vol. for 1847, p. 121.) 
Horse Powers.- —Horse-powers of various kinds 
are used for threshing grain, and for various other pur¬ 
poses. They are differently constructed according to 
the amount of force to be applied. Where only the 
strength of one or two horses is required, and especial¬ 
ly where a portable power is wanted, some of these, 
;properly made, on the “ endless-chain ” principle, have 
several advantages. Where it becomes necessary to 
apply several horses, a sweep or lever poorer is essen¬ 
tial, in order to make the proper attachment. Of the 
former kind exhibited at Buffalo, we noticed V/heeler’s, 
calculated for either one horse or two horses, offered by 
H. L. Emery, Albany. It has been described in our 
columns, and is well known. Of sweep powers, we no¬ 
ticed Hall’s, offered by J. Hall, Rochester; Pitts’, of¬ 
fered by J. A. Pitts, Rochester. These seem to be 
well constructed, and are, we understand, much used in 
Western New-York. We have heretofore given a de¬ 
scription of Mr. Hall’s, (see vol. for 1844, p. 344.) 
Taplin’s power was offered by Eddy &c Co., Union Vil¬ 
lage, Washington county, N. Y. This was described 
in our volume for 1844, p. 377. 
Cultivators. —In the construction and use of these 
implements, a great improvement has been made with¬ 
in a few years. The principal advantage to which we 
allude, consists in adapting them to the working of 
fallows. After a sod has been plowed, the cultivator 
is capable of penetrating the ground to a sufficient 
depth to eradicate weeds, and prepare the soil for 
wheat; and it is made of such dimensions that a much 
greater breadth can be worked in the same time, than 
could be done by the same team with a plow. For 
spring crops, also, land which is not too heavy, that 
had been broken up the previous fall, can be readily 
and cheaply brought into a good condition for planting 
by the use of a cultivator, of the right construction. 
Cast-iron, which has hitherto been frequently used for 
the teeth, is found to get too dull to cut the roots of 
weeds and stir the soil thoroughly. The teeth are now 
made.of cast steel, of any size or shape desired, and 
being brought to a good edge at first, continue to keep 
so for some time. 
Cultivators for working fallows are sometimes made 
with wheels, and are so contrived that by means of a 
lever or other apparatus, the frame work and teeth can 
be easily raised or lowered, so as to adjust the working 
of the implement to any required depth. 
Of large cultivators at Buffalo, we noticed Ide’s (of 
which a cut and description will be found in our vol. for 
1847, p. 285;) Hinkston’s offered .by D. Hinkston, 
Clarkson, Monroe county, and one offered by E. R. 
Dix, of Vernon, Oneida county. 
Of cultivators for hoed crops, we noticed several 
kinds. One by H. L. Emery, with cast-steel teeth, of 
good shape—expanding frame, with wheel in front— 
appeared likely to do good execution. There were 
other kinds which were not without merits, offered by 
E. J. Buerall, Geneva, and Wm. Adams, Middleport. 
Plows. —There was a numerous display of these, 
though but few which differed essentially from those 
exhibited at previous exhibitions. H. L. Emery pre¬ 
sented seven of different patterns, (including the “Wor¬ 
cester Eagle” plow,) a side-hill plow, and several 
