Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 2, 1802).djvu/191

Rh through these into the incisions or drills, made in the land by the coulters K, K.

L, a hook affixed to the axis of the wheels; l, a chain applied to the coulter-beam, the last link of which, when put upon the lowest hook, will prevent the tubes of the funnels from being displaced; while the machine is crossing deep furrows or gutters.

M, an iron pin, projecting from the coulter-beam, which being lifted on the hook L, at the end of the land, will bear the coulters out of the ground, while the machine is turning round, or on any other occasion, without additional labour to the person who attends the plough.

N, a cog-wheel.

O, another cog-wheel, turned by the wheel N.

P, a lever and string, passing over a pulley to the axis of the cylinder H:—by moving the lever P, to the notch in the staple Q, the wheel O, will be prevented from acting with the wheel N; so that the distribution of grain or seed may be stopped at pleasure.

R, an iron bar, perforated with holes, by means of which, and of a pin passing through the holes, the seed-box may be raised or lowered, so as to keep the lid of the box horizontal, whether the machine be ascending or descending steep hills, or moving on level ground.

S, S, two staples in the ends of the seed-box, for the reception of two slips of wood, with canvas to prevent the wind from dispersing the grain or seed: and also to prevent dirt or soil from falling off the wheels into the funnels I, I.

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Fig. 2, (see the plate) represents the shafts, the axis, and wheels: the coulter-beam with handles, &c. as in Fig. 1; being part of the same machinery, and convertible into an horse-hoe, with 6 shares, by taking away the seed-box E, E, the cylinder H, H, the funnels I, I, the coulters K, K, as in Fig. 1, and substituting the hoes A, A, A, A, A, A, Fig. 2, for the coulters.

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Fig. 3, A, is the hoe-plate or share of different sizes, for drills at different distances.

B, the wings for earthing up the soil to the rows of corn; and which may be occasionally taken off.

C, the handle.

D, a wedge, applied to the upper or under side of the handle C, so as to raise, or reduce it, according to the height of the person using it.

Fig. 4, a rake that may be applied to the handles of the machine instead of the coulter-beam, and may be used for making hay, clearing land from dog's-grass, or couch-grass, and for other purposes.

Directions for using the machine: The practice of drilling, says Mr., should not be attempted, unless the soil be so dry, as not to adhere to the feet,—except it be to regain a late or lost seed-time. If the soil abound with large dry clods, these should be reduced by a heayy roller. Previously to being drilled, the land ought to be ploughed deep, and lightly harrowed, to render the level.

When the horse is put in the shafts, care should be taken that the chains by which he draws, be of equal lengths; otherwise the machine will deviate from the direction, in which the animal advances. In going to, or returning from the field, the pin or guide M, must be lifted on the hook L, which