Lightness in Farming Implements.

Te Aroha News, Volume V, Issue 219, 10 September 1887, Page 4

Lightness in Farming Implements.

In the selection of tool? and machines lightness, the American Ag> icuflui'isis tru'y says, is too often overlooked. A proper de c ign, strength, and good material arc essential ; but to the proper working of the tool, light ness is equally impottanfc. An over- weighty 'mplement is a clumsy one ; hence it makes work slower and moie laborious. Economy of energy in the execution of work must be aimed at, and it cannot be attained with uselessly heavy tools. Manufacturers find iron cheaper than wood ; hence iron is often used when wood would anewer the purpose as well, and be lighter. It would be better to pay a little more for the implement, if necessary, and get wood in place of iron. Some thoughtlessly prefer iron to wood because it occupies less space, and its use makes a neater looking implement. Unfortunately they please their eyes at the expense of their teams or the amount of work done. Iron and steel have their proper places, and for various parts in many implements are better than wood ; bnt wood also hns its proper places, whero it is better than iron or steel, and should be put in those places. Some tools and machines ore made too heavy by the intricacy and number of their parts, of which some may be unnecessary. Other things being equal, the simpler in design and the plainer in construction the implement or machine, the better ; for it will operate more easily and wear longer. Some manufacturers tend towards simplicity ; others towards complexity. Some makes of riding ploughs, corn planters, reapers, etc , are made more ft'mple with each change ; while the make*-" of others apparently delight in adding a new wheel, spring or lever each year. Perhaps they have learned that with .some it is the more machine the more pay for it j for there is a class that forget that lightness and simplicity are very desirable. True, the implement may be too light. But the fault is more often the other way. The objectionable lightness is not in the machine as^ a whole, but, in a part, which therefore gives way. The strength and weight are not properly distributed. Some parts ate stronger in proportion to their need than are others. ' Such an implement or machine doea not work nicely, It is like a hoe with a very light blade and a very heavy handle. The proper distribution of weight in an implement is an important matter and deserves more study from makers and more attention from buyers. The rule should include two things : Each part possessing the requisite strength ; and no excess of weight.

Little Annie was playing very roughly with the kitten, carrying it by the tail. Her mother told her she would hurt pussy. " Why, no, I won't," she said ; " I am carrying ifc by the handle."