150 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



they cannot recommend these macliines without this qualifica- 

 tion. 



The committee cannot but regret that they had so little op- 

 portunity to examine machines operated by one-horse power. 

 From what they did see, and what they have otherwise learned, 

 they believe that machines of this character may be advanta- 

 geously used on New England farms. The committee cannot 

 express themselves too higldy in favor of the use of oxen — well- 

 trained oxen — on mowing machines. They saw them thus 

 operated on the farms of Messrs. Sutton, Loring, Newell, and 

 Waters, gentlemen in the possession of as fine farms as any in 

 the county, and who have as much discrimination in the use of 

 such implements as any among us. 



It is to be borne in mind that the experiments made with 

 mowing machines were made on grounds not specially prepared 

 for their use, and under the direction and guidance of those 

 not accustomed to their use ; therefore great allowance must 

 be made in comparing the results with what may be hoped to 

 be done under circumstances more favorable. In view of all 

 these considerations, the committee cannot for a moment doubt, 

 when machines are made as complete as they may be, with a 

 reasonable degree of care in the makers, and a disinterested- 

 ness that shall not demand too large a profit, that they will come 

 into general use, in all grass-growing districts. The committee 

 are satisfied that it has been unequivocally demonstrated, that 

 one man, with a good pair of horses or oxen, suitably trained 

 to the work, can cut one acre of grass an hour, yielding from 

 one to two tons to the acre, — or from eight to twelve acres per 

 day, under favorable circumstances, at a cost of labor not ex- 

 ceeding fifty cents per acre. 



Suppose the lot to be cut to measure sixteen rods by ten 

 rods — containing just one acre — and suppose the machine to 

 cut swaths varying from three to six feet, then the number of 

 swaths required in the cutting of an acre will be as follows, 

 according to the width : — 



55 swaths, each ... 3 feet in width. 



47 " " ... 3.5 " " 



41 " " . . . 4 " " 



3T " " ... 4.5 " " 



