SECRETARY'S REPORT. 125 



The circular of Nourse, Mason & Co., reads as follows : 



Worcester, Mass, June 1st, 1859. 



" After foixr years' experience in the manufacture, sale and use of 

 Mowing and Mowing and Reaping Machines, we are convinced of 

 the practical utility of cutting grass, even on most of the lands in 

 the New England States, by the application of machinery, worked, 

 by horses or oxen. From recent improvements added to Ketchum's 

 Mower, enumerated below, we believe that it is now the most per- 

 fect mower in use, and better adapted to uneven surfaces than any 

 other machine manufactured. We can recommend it without any 

 fear or misgiving, and do honestly believe that it is the machine 

 above all others, to cut grass or grain with the least draught, the 

 greatest economy and the greatest success. We invite your particular 

 attention to the lever and wheel which have been added to Ketch, 

 urn's machine, as having advantages over all other machines ; and 

 the ease with which the driver can, while sitting in his seat, raise 

 the finger bar instantly, to pass over stones, or any obstructions, 

 or moving to and from the field. The following ai-e among the 

 many points of excellence of Ketchum's Machine, as manufactured 

 by us. 



1 . Uasy Draught is attained, without any loss of momentum and 

 power, which are essential in order to cut grass under all circum- 

 stances. 



2. The Ilachinery and Gearing is so simple that any person can 

 understand and manage the machine. 



3. Great Strength is attained in every part, a feature which is in- 

 dispensable in machinery to be used in rough field work. 



4. Durability is an important feature, as none but cast and 

 wrought iron of the very best quality is used. 



5. All Side Draught is obviated by placing the pole in the centre 

 of draught as near as possible. 



6. The Open Knife or Hole in the Knife Sections, is one of the 

 most valuable patents to prevent clogging, and belongs exclusively 

 to the Ketchum Machine. 



1. The Location of the Finger Bar, below the frame, and on a line 

 with the shaft of the main wheel, secures a uniform cut, and causes 

 the finger bar to follow the tread of the wheel over uneven ground. 



8. The Open Space between the heel of the cutters and the main 

 wheel, secured by an arrangement Mduch is patented, prevents the 

 clogging of the machinery by the cut grass on the return swaths. 



