Cultivating Instruments
Farming began in Williamstown in the mid-1700s with small subsistence farms that focused on just making little or no profits. By 1830 however, farmland and production had significantly expanded, and over 70% of all land had been cleared for crop cultivation, sheep, and cattle. Plowing and harrowing led to erosion in hilly areas. The conditions in which field were abandoned made a big impact on what happened there after: the barren rye lot was invaded by pioneer species while the adjoining sheep pasture reverted to shrubby cover which soon yielded to young stands of red maple, cherry and red oak.
Corn Planter
This seed planter was used to plant corn in long straight rows. Pulled by a horse and controlled from the back (note the hook and handles), it was an early mechanized approach to farming. As the large metal wheel turned against the ground, it would release evenly spaced corn seeds from the smaller wooden container. Then, the larger metal container would release a small amount of fertilizer on top of each new planting before covering it up with soil.
Seed Drill
This is a similar instrument that would have been used to plant crops. Notice the box compartment behind the front wheel (A). That is a compartment for holding the seeds. As the instrument is pushed, the plow (B) cuts through the soil, while the turning of the front wheel causes seeds to be dropped from the seed box. As the instrument continues to move, part (C) condenses the soil back over the seeds, and the soil is tampered, or patted down, bat the back wheel (D).
Cultivator
Cultivators are used to pulverize and stir the soil. The cultivator can be used to aerate the soil and create a loose seedbed to prepare the soil before planting. It can also be used after a crop has already started to grow, to kill nearby weeds by burying their leaves or digging up their roots. Unlike plows which work to break up the soil deep below the surface, cultivator teeth focus on the surface of the soil, and so require less power or force.
Hand Cultivator
Double Wheel Hoe
Single Wheel Cultivator
Single Wheel Hoe
Side Hill Plow
This plow was designed specifically for hilly terrain. It has a locking device that enables it to move the soil to the left or right of the plow. Farmers were able to plow across the slope of the hill rather than up and down it. This change helped prevent soil erosion and made the plowing process itself much easier. Plows like this one were likely used all over Williamstown due to its hilly landscape.
Front Plow
The front plow was used to turn and break up soil on flat land. Plowing completely transforms the landscape through the massive disruption the cause to the soil.