After plowing, the large clumps of dirt needed to be broken up in order to level the field. To do this, a farmer would have used a harrow like this, or in later years a piece of equipment called a disc. The harrow would have been pulled by a strong horse or a pair of oxen. This harrow is called a folding A-frame harrow because of its shape. It has a wooden frame and metal teeth. These “teeth” did the work of breaking up the clumps of soil.
Harrow, 1800-1825, wood, metal, L80x W:98. The Farmers Museum, Cooperstown, New York, F0298.1951
Harrow, 1800-1825, wood, metal, L80x W:98. The Farmers Museum, Cooperstown, New York, F0298.1951