Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1869 [PAGE 184]

EXTRACTED TEXT FROM PAGE:

170 We will turn once more to our authority. The extract had reference to the objects sought in plowing. The object was not only to kill weeds, but to secure that condition of the soil enabling the roots of plants to readily permeate it in their search for food. He again commended the Report, from which he had made such copious extracts, as an exceedingly interesting and valuable document. It was prepared by one of the best minds of the country. But after all the improvements made in the plow, the result obtained is not just what we want. The plow that will do good work in gravelly soil will not do on our rich prairies. After all the learning and skill and labor bestowed upon this instrument, the plow is a very unphilosophical tool. After having been brought nearly to perfection, and even giving satisfaction, it is still an unphilosophical instrument. And that is not the worst of i t ; while it remains what it is, and retains its present form, this must ever be the case. Since action and reaction are equal, there is and must be a great loss of power in this implement. We see this in the working of the plow. We see it in the condition of the soil beneath the plow—that condition which farmers call " furrow-trod," the ground becomes harder. For every pound weight lifted there is a pound exerted downward. The effect is known to all. Again, for every pound weight lifted, there is pressure of a pound upon the landside. The effect is apparent, and you will see the land shine alter the plow has passed by. We live in hope of further improvement in that very useful tool, the plow.

DISCUSSION.

Mr. DUNLAP—We have a plow, invented in this county, that is not liable to the objection of which Dr. Warder has spoken. Bnt if there is any instrument, other than the plow, that is to come into use, and that will do the best service, I believe it will be Comstock's Rotary Spader. I have had hopes of this instrument, and some day may have them in use. It has already been put in use in this vicinity, on seven or eight hundred acres, and in certain conditions of the soil works well. When we underdrain our soils I think we shall find the rotary spader a very desirable instrument for stirring and comminuting the soil. Until that day does come, until we will drain our lands, so that we can work a dry soil, we will not be able to work the spader satisfactorily, for the reason that, on wet soils, it would sink, from its great weight, into the soft ground. It seems desirable that we should have plows on wheels, in such a way as to carry a man. Then we can put upon these plows the maimed soldier, the boy of 12 or 14 years, who is not strong enough to work day after day. Even the invalid could be put upon it, and made to render valuable service. But the objection