Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 3, 1802).djvu/424

402] this contrivance, much time, labour, and expence, would be wasted, in digging the ground, and preparing it for the reception of seed. Hence, ingenious men have invented a variety of ploughs, many of which are at present employed by British farmers; but, as a detail of their various constituent parts (however interesting to agricultural readers), would exceed our limits, we shall confine our attention to an account of such machines as deserve more particular notice.

The Rotherham-Plough is too well known to require any description of its various parts: its simplicity, together with the facility of its draught, have recommended it in preference to the unwieldy machines formerly used in Scotland, and various parts of England.—This valuable implement has, within a few years, been reduced in size, and otherwise improved, by Mr., of Rosebank; who, we understand, obtained a patent for his contrivance. In its present state, the wood-work is composed of ash or elm; and the plough differs from that commonly used, chiefly in the bridle, with which it is furnished at the end of the beam: this enables the ploughman to give the implement a more effectual power of action, and also by means of certain holes that are made in the beam, to cut the soil to a greater or less depth, as occasion may require. Another peculiarity that distinguishes the Rotherham from the common plough, consists in the coulter and share, which are so constructed, and fixed, as to cut off the new furrow, without tearing it. Lastly, according to Mr. 's plan, the mould-board, being a plate of cast-iron, is so curved as to make less resistance to the earth turned up, and consequently requires a smaller force to draw it, than the common ploughs; while the furrow is gradually laid over to its proper position.—This plough is not provided with wheels; is light and convenient; it costs, we believe, from 40 to 50s.; and deserves to be introduced into the southern counties.

The Kentish Turn-wrest Plough consists of an oak beam, about ten feet in length, five inches in depth, and four inches in breadth; to the end of which is tenoned a foot, or piece of timber ($3 1⁄2$ feet long, 4 inches thick, and $3 1⁄2$ inches broad) that is mortised at the bottom, to the end of the chep. The handles are fixed on the top of the beam, through which, at the distance of two feet five inches from the foot, is passed a sheath of oak, seven inches in width, and an inch and a half thick, being mortised into the chep in an oblique direction, so that the point of the share will be two feet ten inches asunder from the beam. The chep is five feet in length, four inches in width, and five deep: to this is fixed the share, which weighs about 32 lbs. and is manufactured of hammered iron, being one foot eight inches in length, and from four and a half to seven inches wide at the point. The upper end of the beam is supported on a carriage, furnished with two wheels, that are three feet two inches in height; on the axle-tree of which a gallows is placed, and provided with a sliding bolster, for the purpose of raising or lowering the machine. A clasp-iron likewise enters through the axle, to which a strong chain, or a tow passing over the beam, is fixed in such a manner, that the plough may, by means of notches, or a pin known under