EURAL ENGINEERING. 589 



by a description and the results of trials of 3 gas engine-driven grubbers for 

 use in sugar-beet cultivation. Each of these is said to present a good combina- 

 tion of stationary and. portable motors for general farm use, and in spite of 

 rain and heavy soil gave fair satisfaction in the trials. 



A new way to handle com fodder, T. F. Willoughby (Weekly Impl. Trade 

 Jour., 26 (1912), ^o. 27, pp. 2Jt, 26, figs. 2).— An account is given of the use of 

 a hay press for bailing corn fodder direct from the shock, in a case in which 

 a corn shredder was not available. On opening the bales the fodder was 

 found to be crushed and broken up in excellent condition for feeding, due to 

 the shearing effect and tremendous pressure of the plunger. This is thought 

 to present a solution to the problem of utilizing corn fodder in cases where the 

 corn crop is not large enough to justify the purchase of a shredder, and where 

 there is not enough business to make custom shredding profitable. The ma- 

 chine used was a small hay press on tinicks with a gasoline engine. The 

 engine may be detached, put on other trucks, and used for belt and shaft work 

 around the farm, making in all a handy device and profitable investment for 

 the small farmer. 



The trials of potato diggers and potato sorters, W. C. Brown (Jour. Roy. 

 Agr. Soc. England, 12 (1911), pp. 2Jf3-252, figs. 5).— The results of trials of 7 

 potato diggers and 6 potato sorters are given and their strong and weak points 

 noted. The decision of the judges favored a digging machine with 4 digger 

 arms revolving behind the share to which are fitted 3 si^ecially curved tines 

 which dig and deposit the potatoes with a peculiar feathering action. This 

 is a light machine built largely of wrought steel and malleable iron, and has 

 a low draft and a silent and steady worknig motion which is helped by the 

 5 : 1 bevel gears running enclosed in an oil bath. 



The hydraulic ram, W. C. Davidson (Breeder's Gaz., 61 (1912), No. 21, p. 

 119'/, fig. 1). — Brief instructions are given for the installation and operation of 

 a hydraulic ram. 



Making use of the siphon on the farm, L. J. Wbight (Wis. Country Mag., 

 6 (1912), lVo_ 5^ pp_ 15^ iQ^ fig^ J), — \^^ outline of the method and require- 

 ments for using a siphon for conveying water from a well to a stock tank. 



Electric lighting plants for the farm (Farm Machinery, 1912, No. 10S2, pp. 

 16, 11). — A general discussion of the electric lighting systems most economical 

 and efficient for the average large and small farm, outlining the method of 

 computing the necessary lighting capacity of a plant and the methods of 

 determining the apparatus necessary to supply the computed lighting energy. 

 It is stated that for an average small farm $250 will buy a 25-light plant, con- 

 sisting of one 25-light, 40-volt dynamo, 1 switch board equipped with motors 

 and switches, and one 16-cell, 120-ampere hour storage battery with fittings 

 and electrolyte. This plant requires a 1^-horsepower or larger, steadily op- 

 erating engine for good service. 



An investigation into the value of ferro or reenforced concrete for farm 

 and estate purposes, C. S. Obwin (Jour. Roy. Agr. Soc. England, 12 (1911), pp. 

 122-139, figs. 10). — A discussion of the use of reenforced concrete on the es- 

 tates in England for the construction of farm buildings, farm laborers' cot- 

 tages, and other farm equipment. The details of construction of several typical 

 examples are given, including some original ideas as to reenforced column and 

 wall construction for buildings, and demonstrating the ease and cheapness with 

 which concrete work can be done on the farm by comparatively unskilled labor 

 and 1 or 2 good foremen. 



The latest in circular barn construction, H. C. Ckouch (III. Agr., 16 (1912), 

 No. 9, pp. 309-313, figs. 3). — The advantages of circular barns pointed out are 

 convenience, strength, durability, and cheapness. The details of construction 

 of a typical barn, which cost about $2,000, are briefly presented. 



