108 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



in a way to multiply the power a great many fold, while provision is made for 

 rapid working in cases where great power is not required ; the whole being 

 arranged in a simple manner so as to produce a compact, powerful, cheap and 

 convenient press. The cut shows tlie press as arranged for a cheese press, but 

 it may be readily adapted for pressing hay, cotton or other material in bales. 



Within a strong frame the follower, A, is fitted to move up and down in 

 the usual manner ; the cheese, B, resting upon the table, C. The toggle lev- 

 ers, D D, are connected at their lower ends by pivot pins to the follower and 

 at their upper ends to the segments, E E. One of these segments is geared 

 upon the outer edge and the other upon the inner edge of its rim, and these 

 gears mesh into a pinion which is situated between the upper timbers of the 

 frame. It will be seen that if this pinion is turned in one direction both of 

 the segments will be carried down, and that this motion will carry the upper 

 ends of the levers, T), outward ; the radial arms of the segments acting as the 

 upper levers of the toggle, and pressing the follower down with great force. 



To turn tlie pinion, its axle is brought through the timber of the frame and 

 the pinion, F, is secured rigidly to this axle. The lever, G, is secured loosely 

 upon the axle outside of the pinion F, and a pawl is attached by a pivot to 

 the inside of the lever in such place that when turned into tlie proper position 

 one end will catch into the teeth of the pinion, F. Then by moving the outer 

 end of the lever, G, up and down, the pinion F will be turned, carrying round 

 the inner pinion which is upon the same axle, and which meshes into the gears 

 upon the segments, E E. 



A pawl, II, holds the pinion F, from turning in either direction, depending 

 upon the end of the pawl which is turned into connection witli the Avheel ; and 

 thus the follower is secured in any desired position. 



For turning the segments, E E, rapidly when but little ptjwer is required, 

 the axle of the pinion is prolonged outside of the lever and is mounted with a 

 crank, J. 



The working parts of this press may be made of iron with iron bearings ; 

 ensuring perfect working and great durability. The beam or follower has a 

 perfectly liorizontal motion or position in its descent producing a symmetrical 

 cheese or bale without any trouble. As a cheese press it is Ijeing extensively 

 used in Central New York, having taken the first premiums in the principal 

 cheese counties of the 8tate." 



Wherever I have seen this press in use the highest encomiums 

 were bestowed upon it, and it seems to be rapidly taking the place 

 of all others. Its power is very great and it is managed with per- 

 fect ease. The price at the place of manufacture is twenty dollars ; 

 or the irons complete, with the right to use, can be had for half 

 that sum, and any carpenter can readily construct the wood work 

 and complete the press. 



Ripening. — The lump of curd as it comes from the press does 

 not yet deserve the name of a cheese. It is fit neither for the 

 table, nor for market, until it has undergone the process of curing, 

 or ripening ; a far more important item in the manufacture of 

 cheese than many suppose it to be. 



The chief feature of the ripening process is a sort of fermenta- 

 tion, somewhat analogous to what takes place in the ripening of a 

 pear after it is plucked from the tree, by means of which are 



