Scarce, 19th Cent Irish LOY

The Loy was traditionally used for cultivating the potato. In the 19th century, these were grown in a potato ridge, sometimes known as a lazy bed. Sods were turned from either side to form the ridge. A sod of earth about 2 feet wide on each side of the intended ridge was lifted by the loy and turned over so that the grassy sides were together. Manure was spread on the ridge part first. Narrow ridges were most often made with sets of around twelve sods. Loy ploughing took place on very small farms or on very hilly ground, where horses could not work or where farmers could not afford them. It also allowed the growing of potatoes in bogs as well as on mountain slopes where no other cultivation could take place.

As well as ploughing and ridgemaking, the loy was also used for lifting potatoes and digging turf.