Book Helps Answer Horse Drawn Plow Mysteries

But time marches on. At the close of that same century, the number of farmers with a working knowledge of horse drawn plows is shrinking daily. King's book is an invaluable resource in that regard, for the old advertising materials contain more than fine old engravings. In addition to flowery promotional claims, unconditional guarantees and fervent testimonials, many include detailed text explaining operation and maintenance.

From a Bucher & Gibbs promotional piece: "When you have determined the depth you wish to plow, see that your clevis is set to give the point of the plow sufficient down draft. This will put all of the weight onto the wheels, instead of dragging the plow like a sled or dead weight in the bottom of the furrow."

King also delves in to the history of the plow. He begins with what must have been the biblical era, when nothing more sophisticated than sharpened sticks were used to break up the soil. He traces the evolution of the plow through early Egyptian and Roman eras; the Middle Ages, when the Dutch made significant enhancements; and the impact of the American Revolution and westward migration. FC