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earth of the furrow-slice, should be of an equal, sharpened,tapering form, and occasion the least resistance in passingthrough the ground ; and the mould-board, of that regularuniform twist, which shall not only lessen friction, but alsoplace the furrow-slice in the most proper position. Thebeam and bridle, or muzzle, should be so constructed, thatthe cattle may be most advantageously attached to the plough,in the proper line of draught. The stilts, or handles, alsoought to be of a convenient length, and fixed to the beam,so as to give the ploughman the greatest power to directits motion.
The only plough made use of in Scotland , till within thelast sixty or seventy years, was what is generally termed theOld Scotch Plough. It may be therefore necessary to givean account of it, not only because it is still occasionally em-ployed in some districts, but is also considered by many, asthe foundation or ground-work of the improved plough nowin general use. It is a strong heavy machine, about thirteenfeet in length, from the farthest end of the stilts or handles,to .the extremity of the beam ; and about four feet from theback-end of the head to the point of the sock. Whenwell made, it is very proper for breaking up or tillingrough uncultivated grounds, especially when incommodedwith stones; the sharpened point and long taper of its sockgoes easily past any obstacle; the great length of its headtakes a firm hold of the ground ; its weight prevents it frombeing easily thrown out by stones, or any other cause ; thelength of the mould-board lays the furrow-slice regularlyover, and its long stilts or handles give the ploughman greatcommand in directing its course in the ground.
This plough was doubtless invented during the infancy ofhusbandry, and it is well adapted for ploughing lands of arough description. But in tender soils it is not so profitable,for, by its great weight, the friction is increased, on whichaccount more power must be required to draw it, thanwhat is^ necessary with a lighter and better formed plough.