The cultivator may be considered an improved harrow. The principal difference between them being, that while the teeth of the harrow are pointed at the lower end, those of the cultivator are shaped like a small double plow, being large at the bottom and growing smaller towards the top. They lift the earth up, instead of pressing it downwards, thus loosening instead of compacting the soil.
Many styles of cultivators are now sold at agricultural warehouses. A very good one, for field use, may be made by substituting the cultivator teeth for the spikes in an old harrow frame.
CHAPTER VI.
ROLLING, MULCHING, WEEDING, ETC.
ROLLING.
Name some of the benefits of rolling?
Rolling the soil with a large roller, arranged to be drawn by a team, is in many instances a good accessory to cultivation. By its means, the following results are obtained:—
1. The soil at the surface is pulverized without the compacting of the lower parts, the area of contact being large.
2. The stones on the land are pressed down so as to be out of the way of the scythe in mowing.
3. The soil is compacted around seeds after sowing in such a manner as to exclude light and to touch them in every part, both of which are essential to their germination and to the healthfulness of the plants.