Object number
61/48
Description
This hand drill was used for sowing seeds on various local farms in and around Rowhook, West Sussex, including Snell Farm. It was used until 1953 for 'patching' kale and mangle. The Museums holds no information about where or when it was made.
Physical description
1 seed drill: wood; metal; natural coloured
Label Text
Seed drill. This hand powered seed drill was used at a number of farms around Rowhook, West Sussex, up until 1953. It manually sowed seeds at measured intervals. Jethro Tull's invention of the seed drill in 1701 introduced a more efficient method of sowing to British farmers. Using a drill such as this one would ensure that the seeds remained within a narrow furrow. As a result, they were easier to cover with soil, and less water was required to germinate them. Additionally, less tillage of the soil was needed which protected it against erosion and reduced the pressure on farmers at a hectic time of year.4. Seed Sower. 61/48.
Archival history
MERL 'Handwritten catalogue' form – 'DRILL (HAND) // [pencil sketch]', MERL Recording form – 'Who used it // Owner + previous owners // When was it used // Until 1953, in a limited role // How was it used // For "Patching" Kale + Mangle in latter years // Where was it used // Snell Farm + other local farms // Has it a local name // Seed Barrow // When this object was used do you know if it was common in many parts of the country or only in the place from which it came // Believed to be common in many parts of the country // Who made // Unknown // When was it made // Date unknown // Where was it made // Unknown // From what materials is the object made // Wood and iron with copper filter...'
Object name
Material
Associated subject
External document
- L:\MERL\Objects\JISC 2012\60 series negatives\60_4546.tif - High resolution image
- L:\MERL\Objects\JISC 2012\60 series negatives\60_4547.tif - High resolution image
