120 BOARD OP AGRICULTURE. 



would mow heavy grass. But wise heads that shook ominously at 

 the outset, looked a second time, wondered, and then believed. I 

 adopted the principle that a mowing machine might bo light, and 

 at the same time strong ; and that to be capable of doing heavy 

 work, it need not itself be heavy. 



I have added such improvements to the mower for I860,, as the 

 experience of the past harvest has suggested to me ; the most im- 

 portant of which is a lever arrangement for raising the cutter bar, 

 and strengthening some of its parts. The mower is now complete 

 and perfect in all its details. The usual number of knives furnished 

 with a machine is two ; the necessity for keeping the knives sharp, 

 I think, requires that there should be three ; this will enable the 

 farmer to work through the forenoon without stopping to sharpen 

 his knives, and after sharpening at noon to finish the day's work 

 without interruption. 



The price of the machine, the same as last year, $80, delivered 

 on the cars at Hoosick Falls, including three scythes, four guards, 

 four sections, one wrench and oil can. One horse machine, $70. 



Walter A. Wood. 



Hoosick Falls, September 1, 1859. 



From a report of the judges, at a trial of mowers, instituted bj 

 the Duchess County Agricultural Scciety, New York, in June last, 

 the following is quoted : 



" Wood's Two-Hokse Mowek. — A new machine, and much the 

 smallest, lightest and cheapest, exhibited points well worthy the 

 attention of all builders of moAving machines. The workmanship 

 is excellent. It has two small driving wheels, has internal gearing, 

 thereby giving additional strength — backs out of gear, is easily 

 turned. The knives vibrate very rapidly, giving them a perfect 

 cut. The fingers are very close together, making the knives less 

 liable to dull. The finger bar is elastic and follows the surface 

 well, whether rough or smooth, but does not fold like the Buckeye. 

 The driver's seat is safe and comfortable, being back of the knives. 

 Its draft is evidently very light. 



Wood's one-horse machine is very similar to the above in con- 

 struction, only lighter, and has a shorter cutter bar. It did its 

 work to the satisfaction of all." 



Mr. Hiram Russ of Farmington, writes me under date of August 

 1st. " This year I bought one of Wood's one horse mowers, and it 



