Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 3, 1802).djvu/432

410] by the implement, in consequence of this secondary operation.

The Lesser Tuscan Plough, of which the following representation will afford a tolerably distinct idea,



is lighter, and more diminutive in all its dimensions, than the preceding. Its sock is of a similar shape, but the coulter is perpendicular beneath its beam, between the course of the sock; and, instead of the mould-board (of which this machine is destitute), its broad chep is formed in the shape of a plane (doloire), so as to turn the earth equally on both sides. In order to work the plough, the labourer conducts it between each border (plate-bande), which he divides at a single stroke, thrusting the soil of either side towards the furrow of the preceding year: and, while the latter is nearly filled up, he forms the trench, which is to continue open during the next season; so that the soil is alternately stirred, according to the system of Mr.; being sown one year, and serving as a furrow in the subsequent.—This alternation is delineated in the foremost of the two lines, in the cut above annexed; where the lines represent the ground previously to its being ploughed; and the points or dots, its external form, after such operation.

The plough enters at a a, dividing each border; and, in throwing up the soil equally on both sides, it forms the small elevations b, c.—Thus, the field presents alternately, after ploughing, two ridges adjoining to each other, and then a furrow. Next, the labourer passes a small square harrow over these elevations, which he levels; while the furrow remains untouched, as represented by the second of the lines in the cut last referred to; and the soil is thus ultimately prepared for sowing.

The agricultural reader will observe, from the construction of these implements, that they are not calculated for working stiff clays;