128 MAINE STATE SOCIETY. 



have tbey been tested to determine their absolute or relative ease of 

 draft? We know it to be true, as discovered at Albany in 1850, 

 that plows may be had, one plowing with which, better fits the 

 ground for the seed than two plowings with some other implement ; 

 and yet this other may be a general favorite in some locality. It is 

 understood that the most of the plows shown at Bangor are favorites 

 in particular localities. Some of them we know to be so. How 

 much does this circumstance prove for them ] What is public opinion 

 worth on this or any other subject, when said public opinion is 

 gauged to a low and unworthy standard, and is all wrong ? We ask 

 these questions, thinking them pertinent to the case, — not assuming 

 to answer them ourselves. We admire to see an Awarding Com- 

 mittee in a condition to state the reasons that govern them in making 

 their decisions. But with this attempt to shadow forth our ideas 

 touching the matter of plows, can we be excused for leaving the 

 whole thing about in the condition we find it ? 



The fact of a majority of the plows presented, coming to the work 

 without being equipped and adjusted for this particular service, and 

 unequal to the size of furrow they were urged to carry, is an exten- 

 uating circumstance, and should be remembered to give, in the pub- 

 lic mind, no undue advantage to the more successful implements 

 from the results of one trial. 



A Hi tie 7-eform needed. Farmers should set their faces against 

 the practice of taking plows from the manufacturer, with the work- 

 ing surfiices in the rough state in which they come from the casting 

 room. The farmer's method of grinding and polishing costs him 

 from three to ten dollars ; whereas the manufacturer could do it for 

 the fraction of one dollar. 



On Mowing Machines, we report three presented — Hallingbeck's, 

 Manny's and Allen's, — all with the latest improvements, and well 

 endorsed by those who have witnessed their operations. We regret 

 the late season of the year prevented us from testing their respective 

 practical worth. Each machine seemed built for durability. This 

 is essential to the farmer, who is often turned off with implements 

 requiring repairs before they are fully tested, by which he is dis- 

 couraged from availing himself of many worthy improvements, and 

 thus the sale of articles deserving public patronage is prevented. 

 Our attention was attracted by the simplicity, lightness and great 



