Cahoon's Improved Broadcast Seed Sower
Display: Farm to Fork
Culinary Technique: distribution
Date: c. 1900
Dimensions: 11" h x 15" w x 12" d
Many devices to improve upon broadcast seeding by hand were invented in the late 19th century. Walking while cranking this tool strapped against his chest, a farmer could plant four to eight acres per hour. A seed bag was attached to the funnel at the holes around the rim. The crank moved a scoop, which pushed seeds toward the mouth of the funnel while also turning the fan in the front. The fan created a powerful draft that pulled the seeds and threw them in a broad arc, twenty feet in any direction.