MAINE STATE SOCIETY. 129 



durability of the Ilallingbeck machine, -which was constructed, as 

 alleged, of the best of wrought and cast iron and steel. No wood 

 used except for the pole and driver's seat. 



Vvhen we consider the large number — about ninety — mowers and 

 reapers entered at the late trial at Syracuse, N. Y., for premium, 

 it is with pleasure that we say to our brother farmers, there is an 

 encouraging prospect that these important labor-saving machines 

 are being improved to work to our general satisfaction, so as to super- 

 cede in most cases the use of the hand scythe. We consider it an 

 object worthy the attention of this society, and we would recommend 

 that an encouraging premium be oiFered for a mowing machine of 

 the simplest construction, of the greatest durability, easiest draft, 

 the least trouble in its operation, best adapted to cut all kinds of 

 grass whether lodged or standing, on level ground or uneven, and 

 with the desired uniformity and shortness, and the machine of lowest 

 price. 



All these points are essential, and should each and all of them be 

 considered in governing an award. We believe these points can be 

 satisfactorily attained, — for what will not the skill of the mechanic 

 accomplish, when called in requisition by so potent an interest as 

 the agricultural. 



Care should be exercised to clear our mowing fields of the loose 

 stones and other useless obstructions, and in laying down grounds, 

 to leave them as even and level as practicable. A great saving in 

 labor and grass may thus be had, even in hand mowing, and in the 

 same proportion with a machine. 



We often see more trouble and expense occasioned to a hand 

 scythe by one loose stone, than would cause the removal of a cart- 

 load of them from the field at a proper season. 



All of which is respectfully submitted. 



Calvin Chamberlain, Chairman. 



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