Potato-Digger.-One form of
this apparatus is illustrated in Fig. 88. On the under and near side of the centre plough
A is an adjustable bar of steel, having sharp-edged wings, and fastened to -this
throughout its whole length, which is more than the full breadth of the furrow, are a
number of looped and branched chains, two feet or more in length, which drag on the
bottom of the furrow, breaking up and stirring the earth that falls upon and through them,
and bringing the potatoes to the surface. This chain-bar may be placed higher or lower, as
may be desired. A Coulter, blunt-pointed and round-edged, is attached to the beam, and
opens the bills at the right-hand side, clearing away the bines, and placing them over to the
left of the plough, which follows, turning the hills up. The two rods B C are
sufficiently high to permit the earth to pass between them, while they cause the weeds to
pass to one side. The wheels D D steady the implement, and also serve as gauge-
wheels to regulate the depth to which the plough enters the soil.
Your Comments Welcomed! Copyright © 1995 Roger Corrie