Implements of Hufbdndry—Wheel-Ploughs.>

and in correcting the depreffion of the fhares from any fudden obfiruction, as well as in bringing it quickly into work again, when thrown out towards the furface*.

But an able writer, in{peaking of the agriculture of Middlefex, though by no means an advocate for wheel-ploughs, remarks, that‘¢ on a comparative view of the whole of any two extenfive diftrits, whereof one is tilled with wheel- ploughs, and the other by fwing ones, as Berkfhire and Norfolk againft Middlefex and Surrey, including every defcription of ploughmen ufually met with in thofe counties, it has appeared to him, on many occafions, that for neatnefs of work wheel-ploughs have the advantage. This circumftance, and keeping the men in good temper, is, he thinks, probably of more confequence than a little difparagement in point of draught t.”|

Notwithftanding this, the objections which we have juft mentioned, the weight of the carriages for the wheels, and the trouble of fixing and moving them, are inconveniences that operate ftrongly again{t the ufe of this kind of plough in all cafes, but more particularly in thofe of general tillage.

An intelligent farmer in one of the midland diftricts, however, affures us, that the rotheram-plough, with one or fometimes two wheels fixed near to the end of the beam, without any carriage, goes very light, and is very ufeful; fuch alterations as are neceflary requiring very little time or trouble. Where two wheels are employed, the plough does very well without a holder on a good tilth or light fward, except at the fetting in and turning out.

Wheel-ploughs fhould, however, probably be feldom had recourfe to by the experienced ploughman, though they may be more convenient and more manage- able for thofe who are not perfectly informed in that important and ufeful art.

This fort of plough will, in general, be found moft fuitable for the more ftiff tenacious foils, and thofe in which ftones, flints, or other obftacles of the fame kind abound, the moft advantageous and defirable properties under fuch circum- ftances being thofe of ftrength, and of not being eafily thrown out of the ground. For general purpofes in fuch foils, perhaps the Hert/ordjhire wheel-plough, which has a piked fhare, may be the moft fuitable implement; but where the ground is very ftrong, and where very deep ploughing is required, the Kenti/h turnwrift-

plough, with a chifel-pointed fhare, fhould probably be preferred.

On light, loamy, and friable foils, where deep ploughing is not neceflary, the Norfolk wheel-plough will be found a convenient and ufeful tool, as being compact and light in its form, doing its work with neatnefs, and requiring only a{mall draught.

* See Communications to the Board of Agriculture, vol. I. vp. 419. } Middleton's View of the Agriculture of Middlefex.