Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 2, 1802).djvu/187

Rh, in which the broad-cast method is preferable to it, they ought not by any means to impede the more general introduction of the former.

The drill-husbandry is said to be attended with many disadvantages: namely, 1. That it is very difficult to procure persons who are acquainted with the use of the drill-plough, or its proper management, when on the soil. 2. That the earth requires to be well prepared to admit of it. 3. That the crop is too thinly sown by it. 4. That drilled-crops are harvested later than broad-cast ones. 5. That clover does not succeed, when cultivated according to the drill-husbandry. 6. That oats produce rank and coarse straw, which does not afford wholesome food for cattle.

These objections appear formidable, and it must be allowed, that no person can acquire a thorough knowledge of the drill-husbandry in one season. It is nevertheless untrue, that the seed is too thinly sown; for, though the quantity required is nearly one half less (which is consequently saved), yet the crops of drilled wheat are, in general, so much more valuable than those of broad-cast, whether we consider the quantity, quality, or weight of the grain, that the inferiority of the latter is evident to every impartial observer. This reason is likewise a sufficient answer to the objection alledged against the expence of horse-hoeing, which eradicates almost every weed, even where hand-hoeing is impracticable; and consequently in a very considerable degree promotes vegetation.

To this we may add, that by drilling, the seed grows more regularly and vigorously; and that though the crops are harvested later than broad-east ones, yet they are gotten in in with less expence, and with greater safety, while the soil is left in a better state for future crops.

Such are the advantages and disadvantages attending the drill-husbandry, which we have endeavoured fairly to state: after these decisive proofs, no rational agriculturist will hesitate to pronounce in favour of the new system.

That useful instrument the drill-plough, was first introduced in this country by the ingenious, in the beginning of the last century. Since that period, various other machines, or drill-ploughs, have been invented by different persons, of which we shall mention the principal.

One of the earliest implements of this description is the hand-drill, which is chiefly employed in the low-lands of Scotland, where it was also invented. It is pushed along by two handles, in a manner similar to wheel-barrows, and sows one row at a time. The principal part of this machine is a wheel, about 22 inches in diameter, and made of solid deal, upun the axle of which is fixed a notched roller $2 3⁄4$ inches in diameter, and 2 inches long, that turns in the fore-part of the drill-box. The quantity of seed intended to be sown, is regulated by a slider, which moves up and down in the fore-part of the box, bv an adjusting screw fixed at the top; and has a strong brush, that projects from its lower end, and sweeps upon the notched roller. There is also a sluice, or slider, which lies flat on the bottom, on the inside of the drill-box, and juts out between the two handles of the