3. Implements for the Cultivation of the Plant.
Cultivators.-The name cultivator as been applied to a
class of implements which is adapted to perform the various agricultural operations
necessary to the cultivation of the crop. Properly speaking, the term should imply that its
duties commence after the crop is above the ground ; but, unfortunately, it has been
applied to machines employed in preparing the ground for the reception of seed, which, so
to speak, trench upon the duty of the harrow. The ordinary duty of the cultivator,
however, is to loosen the earth, destroy weeds, and in some cases to gather the surface
earth and leave it around the growing plants or crop. It follows, then, that to admit of the
use of the cultivator, the crop must be sown or planted in drills or rows. Cultivators are
made in various forms to suit the duty required. When they operate between two rows
they are termed single, and when between three rows, double cultivators. Those which
provide a seat for the driver are termed sulky-cultivators, while those not so provided are
simply " cultivators," and are usually distinguished by an additional term indicating the kind
of crop they are intended to cultivate. 
Thus we have " corn-cultivators," " cotton-
cultivators," etc. Double cultivators are arranged so that the outside teeth may be adjusted
in width to suit the width of the rows of the crop.
In Fig. 53 is shown a handcultivator, the two outside rows of teeth being adjustable in width to suit
the width of the crop rows by means of the slotted stays in the rear, which are held by the
set screw shown.
In Fig. 54 is represented a cultivator having a gauge-wheel
adjustable upon the draught-beam, and also a roller. By these devices the depth at which
the implement works in the ground is adjusted.
The cultivator shown in Fig. 55 has iron side-beams so
curved that, as they are expanded or contracted by loosening the iron keys that confine the
teeth in their places, the latter are moved forward or back to a point that will again cause
them to work parallel with the centre-beam, and at equal distances from the others.
There is also one pair of moulds calculated to work in the rear, in form like small
ploughs, throwing the earth in opposite directions, and fitting alike both side-beams; they
may be placed to throw the earth to or from the centre, or rows of vegetables.
The cultivator shown in Fig. 56 is adapted to loosen the
surface of the soil and destroy weeds. The draught-rod is connected to the centre of the
beam to render the operation of the machine steady, and facilitate the regulation of the
depth to which the teeth enter the soil.
Fig. 57 is a cultivator and hiller. The soil loosened by the
teeth is thrown against the plants by a rear-share. The width of the hiller and of the teeth is
adjustable to suit the duty.
Fig. 58 represents an improved wheel-cultivator operating
between rows of corn. The shovel-frame is pivoted to the axle, and the handles are
attached on each side the ploughs, when not in op. eration are suspended from the hooks
shown.
For ploughing out between narrow rows the ridging or
double-mould plough represented in Fig. 59 is used. It is also employed for opening drills
to plant potatoes.
Fig. 60 is a double-mould plough or cultivator for sugar-
cane. The mould-boards are made to expand to suit the width of the rows. The double
share cuts off a surface-slice of the soil, and the wings or mould - boards throw the same
up to the cane-plants.
Fig. 61 is a four-furrow plough of English construction,
designed for steam-cultivation, and the notable feature in it is the admirably simple means
provided for adjusting the widths of the furrows. The implement has the rigid frame which
is so essential in steam cultivating implements, while the alteration of the width of the
furrows is effected by means of wedges, which throw the ploughs at different angles to the
frames: The employment of wedges in this way does away with the necessity for bolts or
screws, and makes a thoroughly rigid fastening, while at the same time every facility Is
afforded for adjusting the width of furrow very quickly.
Fig. 62 is a tvpe of the cultivators similar in construction to
the double-mould-board plough. The object is to throw the earth on each side the wings
A B at the sides being, provided to alter the width of the mould to suit that of the
cross-rows. The piece C is also removable, so that part of the earth may, if desired, fall
between the moulds instead of being delivered at the sides.
Your Comments Welcomed! Copyright © 1995 Roger Corrie