88 [Assembly 



One model stave machine, C. B. Hutchinson & Co., Syracuse. A very ingenious 

 machine compressed in small compass, yet performing wonders. Cuts the 

 staves from the block rapidly and finishes for use. Its operation, simple and 

 wonderful, attracted much attention, Dip. and ^3 



One improved mill pick, Joseph Houston, Conway, Mass Vol. Trans. 



One meat-cutter, Henry M. HoUey, Kingston, E, I., an excellent article, 



Vol. Trans. 



One millstone dressing machine, J. V Tilton, Skaneateles. One of these small ma- 

 chines performs the labor of many men ; does its work evenly, and can easily 

 be graduated from fine to coarse, and vice versa Bip. and $3 



This closes the enumeration of entries in this department. There 

 were several other entries made, but the articles did not arrive, 

 or else could not be found by your committee. Our labors have 

 been arduous. We have endeavored to deal frankly and fairly 

 by all, and hope this report will be accepted in the spirit that has 

 actuated us. Your committee ought not to close their report 

 without more particular attention to the ^^ working model of 

 steam lengine^'' exhibited by Mr. Benjamin H. Wright, of 

 Rome, N. Y. The descriptive title aflBixed to it by the inventor, 

 is the *^ Revolving Piston Engine," to distinguish it from the or- 

 dinary rectilinear or reciprocating engine. The object aimed at in 

 this invention invests the latter with no limited degree of interest. 

 Numerous indeed have been the attempts to substitute a direct action 

 in lieu of the crank. Nearly one hundred patents have been 

 granted in the United States and probably thirty or forty in Great 

 Britain, for Rotary Engines or combinations seeking this result, 

 whilst the name is legion of those which have fallen so far short 

 of success as to restrain their authors from attempting to introduce 

 them to the mechanical world Watt himself essayed in this line 

 for some time, and after having obtained a patent, in the year 1782, 

 abandoned his offspring. The subsequent efforts of others have 

 been equally ephemeral. So repeatedly have been these failures 

 that very many practical mechanics have come to regard the ac- 

 complishment of the direct action engine as impracticable, and 

 have even become so interested in their '' first love" as to deny 

 any advantage in the latter. This is not surprising, since the 

 success or competency of one in this branch perhaps more than any 

 other depends upon the most intimate acquaintance with all the de- 

 tails of construction. Hence an aversion to pursue other than 



