1806.] Dibbling and Drilling Machine. 221

every time it strikes into the ground, which is done by the motion of the tumbler, which turns out the seed at the same instant.

The above is the most sìimple, and bes suited to agricul- tural purposes, being the least likely to be put out of repair; and if at any time injured, so little complicated that it will be sufficiently within the capacity of any country tradesman to repair it. Notwithstanding this instrument or dibbling machine may be made several different ways, and the prin- ciple still be the same, such as with cog wheels and plain round holes in the bottom of the hopper, which may be eclipsed by a slide and screw, to adjust the quantity to be delivered at each stroke of the bars against the ends of the small flaps or shutters, which are fixed on a hinge, and shut up the bottom of the hole every time by means of a spring wire inside, through the hole at the bottom of the hopper, which agitates the seed every time the bars pass, the ends of these shutters being a little below the bars, as above describ- ed, throw open the hole, and let out the seed the moment it 1s passed; it is again shut by the wire, which at the same time agitates the seed, and prepares for the next discharge. The dibble in this case may be fixed to each bar, or with a coulter, placed in a frame before the hole, to prepare a fur- row as the machine is pressed forward.

The above is for the use of one man, and completely with- in his power; but if one or more horses, it is only necessary to make a larger and longer roller, and place several hoppers within sîde it, at such distances as are best suited to the coun=- try or lands Where it is intended to be used, and which will be proper for the work of the number of horses to the ma- chine. The whole of which machine may be made of either wood or iron, or partly of both, or any other proper material, if it is sufficiently strong for the purpose.

‘The machine may be varied in its formation; but the prin- ciple of dibbling, or placing seed in the ground, at equal distances, or nearly s0, will still be by dibblers fixed to the roller, or as above described. These are the most plain and €asy to be 1epaired in the country; yet I do not confine my- self to these ways only, as the above-mentioned roller and bars may be made to drive a spring dibble first up the hop=- per or bin, and with a recess in the back of it, like the bow! ot a tea-spoon, or any other form suited to that purpose, bring out of the boppers the quantity necessary, and deposit it in the hole made by the spring-dibble at the hind part of it, which would be as regular as thé bars strike the dibble point, which, by projecting a little below the bars, would be be every one driven up to let them pass, and, by means of tie