No. 112.] 135 



and is perforated in the center of each piece to accommodate the 

 convexity of the pinion while passing over it. This perforation 

 weakens the pieces and increases their liability to fracture ; from 

 their structure, a rubbing action seems to be inevitable, causing 

 rapid wear. 



The platform of Emery & Go's power rolls over reels furnished 

 with clutches so disposed that the action of the rods is ever 

 nearly in a direction of a tangent to the circle, and therefore acts 

 to the best advantage. This arrangement seems less liable to 

 wear than any other, and the entire contrivance and perfection 

 of the work gives to it a marked superiority^ 



Three one horse powers were next submitted for trial. Two 

 men weighing together 317^ pounds were placed on the platforms, 

 and to each power was successively attached the same thrashing 

 machine. The following results were obtained : 



Emery & Co. produced 950 revolutions of the cylinder. 

 Badger " 630 " " 



Jerome " 595 " " 



STEAM ENGINES FOR AGRICULTURAL PURPOSES. 



One engine only for agricultural purposes was presented for 

 trial. No sufficient arrangement could be conveniently made on 

 the trial ground to secure the engine in a solid position and to 

 avoid vibration ; hence a difficulty occurred preventing the use 

 of a dynamometer of rare excellence, procured from the Hadley 

 Falls Company. Under these circumstances it was determined 

 to have a more perfect trial of Messrs. Hoard and Bradford's port- 

 able steam engine, at Utica, during the week of the State Fair. 



The attention of the society and of farmers of this State has 

 been invited to several attempts within a iiew past years to em- 

 ploy steam in the place of animals, as a motive power for thrash- 

 ing, sawing, and all farm work which may be accompli^hed by 

 fixed or portable engines. We are not informed that any farmer 

 in this State has adopted them, though much interest has been 

 felt in the improvement of engines and their nearer approach to 

 perlection. Extended in([uiric3 are necessary, and njany well 

 eetablished evidences will be demanded to shuw that steam can 



