at the Salishurij Meeting, 1857. 



439 



not tlae case p:enerally with the cranked axle carts that were exhibited, and 

 some did not travel wntli the precision required on a smooth and even surface, 

 but rumbled laterally, giving evidence of want of nave bearing on the axle ; 

 and this would become more apparent and injurious as the wheels got older. 

 We fully believe that it would be an advantage in both carts and waggons 

 (especially to carts), if the intentions of the Society were carried out in desiring 

 longer shafts. Without doubt the horse or horses would have greater power 

 and leverage over the load behind them, not only in turning, but in ascending 

 or descending hills. The common impression with carpenters (and laimers 

 fall into the same way of thinking) is, that the nearer the horses are to the work 

 the better. We know of no mechanical law to guide the public to these con- 

 clusions, and practical men are satished that, in the present instance, longer 

 shafts than those now in common use would be a great advantage, whether 

 the wheels be high or low, and the axles cranked or otherwise. 



We were most anxious to arrive at a sound conclusion in awarding the pre- 

 mium, and, assisted by ]\Ir. Amos, tested these carts in several ways : first, by 

 loading each with a given quantity of earth, observing their travel, and trying 

 them at pitcliing their loads in a field which, notwithstanding the dry weather, 

 unfortunately proved more like a bog than what it appeared to be, and after- 

 wards testing the carts when loaded by the dynamometer. The result is given 

 on the preceding page. 



Other carts in this class were exhibited, but they had some defect ; not so 

 much in workmanship or materials, but in construction either in build or 

 mechanical arrangement, to which allusion lias already been made. 



In the class of wagons there were fifteen exhibitors, having a great variety 

 of style and local fashion. We willingly concede a fashion to some extent, 

 but where local fashion or prejudice ruus counter to common sense, we may 

 record our objections to it ; and any carriage, be the sam.e wagon or cart, so 

 built as to lift the loading and unloading inconveniently high, is an outrage 

 on labour and opposed to the iirinciple of economy now sought for in every 

 department of trade and agriculture. A wagon with low wheels and a high, 

 body must be an absurdity in any part of England, and fashion ought not to 

 demand such exactions any longer. Time and the visits of the Eoyal AgTi- 

 cultural Society will gradually reconcile one county fashion with another, so 

 that a convenient and handy wagon, regardless of fashion, will be found in 

 every nook and corner of the land. 



Appended is a list of premiums given to wagons. 



Prizes and 

 ■ Awards. 



£. s. d. 

 2 



2 

 2 



2 



124 



50 



Exhibitor's 

 Name. 



T. Milford 

 and Son. 



John Kiddle. 

 John Gifford. 



Alfred Cross- 

 kill. 



£. s. (7. 

 25 



17 



30 



28 10 



Cheap and well made, the arrange- 

 ments and workmanship excel- 

 lent, and well adapted for two 

 or three horses. 



Made of good materials, and very 

 cheap at the price advertised. 



Made of excellent materials and 

 workmanship ; the price is high, 

 and it is not made entirely for 

 farm purposes. 



Very useful, and not expensive 

 considering all its parts ; the 

 arrangements for the lock are 

 ditferent to those in common 

 use, and of some advantage in 

 short wagons. 



2g2 



