Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 3, 1802).djvu/425

Rh under the name of a cheek, be let out to a greater length from the axle; and will consequently penetrate more deeply into the earth.

We have been induced to give this description of the Kentish Plough, because it is an instrument of great strength, and eminently calculated for rocky and hilly countries, as it turns the soil to a considerable depth, laying it perfeftly level, without making any furrow, or opening; a circumstance of equal advantage and importance, in dry situations.—The price of the whole, with its tackle complete for drawing, is computed to be about five guineas.

A valuable implement has very lately been introduced into the county of Lancaster, by Mr., jun.—It is denominated a Trench-plough, and furnished with two shares, one being directly over the other, so that one narrow superficial furrow may be drawn from the surface of the soil, while another, at a moderate depth, is taken off beneath. This machine is well adapted for ploughing-in green crops, or long dung, by way of manure; and, if the surface of the soil be foul, it may be turned under, and fresh soil brought up, from the depth of 10 inches, by employing three horses. The earth being thus loosened, the roots of plants are enabled to strike downwards without any impediment; and, while the land is drained, and exposed to the influence of the air, it is thereby considerably improved.

The Scalp-plough, or Extirpator, as it is generally termed, was lately invented by Mr., of Stoke-Ash, in the county of Suffolk. Its beam is seven feet in length, and is furnished with two handles. The shares are eight inches broad, nine in length, and are fixed to stalks, about ten inches in height, and eleven inches asunder. Such implement may be adapted to the wheels of a common plough, and will penetrate the soil to a greater or less depth, in a similar manner. The object of this contrivance is, the eradication of weeds, and the clearing of ploughed lands for seed; in which respect it is said to be more serviceable than any other instrument. Before the extirpator is employed, the soil ought to be once ploughed; and, if it have lain fallow during a summer, the scalp is passed over it twice; namely, the first time about two inches deep, and the next, in a transverse direction, at the depth of about four inches. This operation, together with harrowing the ground once, will not only destroy all weeds, but will pulverize and prepare the soil for the reception of seed, whether drilled, or broad-cast. Farther, if lands, intended for the production of spring-crops, be ploughed in autumn, and the extirpator be afterwards passed over them, they will be rendered fit for immediate sowing.—This machine may be drawn either by two or by three horses, according to the nature of the soil, and the depth required: it possesses the peculiar advantage, that it may be worked on all arable lands, by any person capable of directing a plough, and that it will turn over an acre of ground, in one hour, without fatiguing either horses or oxen.—Should the soil, however, be overrun with weeds, it will be ardvisable to plough it with the scalp, twice; and, in some cases, three times; a short space being allowed