Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1861-09-26
Use and Abuse of Implements.


Were we to assert that American farmers, as
a general thing, are wastetu in many particu-
lars, we should be taken to task on all sides for
where shall we find more prudent and eco
nomical class of men than they ? Well, we are
ready to admit their economical disposition
but this is by no means contradiction of what
we have asserted in the previous SENTENCE
There is such thing as false economy-"pen-
ny wise and pound foolish" economy-"savin
at the bungho and wasting at the spile 4"
economy and under this category we class the
policy which so almost universally prevails in
regard to the use and abuse of agricultural i'm
plements.
One of the heaviest taxes to which the farm
er is subjected is the purchase and repairing of
agricultural implements; and that this tax is in
many cases double and treble what it should be
is very evident. How can it be otherwise p
Were implements to be had for the asking,
some farmers could not manifest more indilfer-
ence in regard to their use, and their care Of
them when not in use. In very many cases,
when field is plowed narrowed and rolled,
the plow, the harrow and the roller find a rest.
ing place in the first convenient fencecorneT,
there to remain until next wanted, whether it
be the next day or the next year The dam
aging effects of sun, wind and rain are never
once thought of. The fact that such exposure
Injuries both wood and iron work does not alter
the case. Some farmers bring their implements
from the field, it is true, but only to subject
them to the same outdoor exposure in the vi
cnty of the barn. 1t is not very surprising
that such miserable management makes heavy
demands upon the pocket, or that the bill for
implements in such cases is double what it
should be-
There are few simple rules in regard to the
care Of implements, which in most cases can
be readily and always properly observed First:
Every farm should be provided with a tool or
implement house of sufficient dimensions to
accommodate every tool or implement on the
premises. Second 1t should be a fixed and
unalterabe requirement, that whenever tool
Is done with it should be put in its appropriate
place in the Toulouse. Third Before put
away,t should be carefully examined, to see
whether any parts are broken or damaged and
# so, the very first leisure moment should be
appropriated to repairing it. Fourth No tool
should be put into the hoaSe in a dirty condi-
tlon. A very few minutes will be required to
clean off the dirt, which will prevent the rust
ing of the iron, as well as damage to the wood
Fifth &: All the polished parts of an implement
as the share, mould-board and coulter of the
plow, and the blades of axes mattocks, now
ing machines, &c, should be oiled, to prevent
rnsting. They will then be ready for use ct
any moment. Sixth !: Every wooden part of an
implement should be painted at least once a
year, and such as are required for outdoor use,
as plows, harrows, &c. tpie Rainy days can
be appropriated to this purpose One dollar
worth of brushes and paint, properly applied,
will save $50 worth of damages. Mineral
paint, such as Hunters Iron Paint answers ad-
mirably, because it has more body than white
or red lead, and is far cheaper and more durable
IL not only preserves the wood from decay but
from cracking, and cosequently easy break
age.