of the Vienna Exhibition^ 1873. 71 



tinguished since the first appearance of this class of implements 

 in 1851. 



Messrs. Clayton and Shuttleworth have been already noticed 

 as exhibitors in the Austrian section. They also appeared 

 among their fellow-countrymen with a large assortment ^of 

 well-finished and very strong and simple agricultural imple- 

 ments. Messrs. Clayton and Shuttleworth have purchased the 

 right of making Ransome, Sims, and Head's patent straw- 

 burning apparatus, which enables straw to be used as fuel. 

 In general, similar implements to those employed in England 

 are also valuable for foreign use. The following information, 

 communicated by Mr. John Shuttleworth, takes up the principal 

 points in which their implements intended for the Austro- 

 Hungarian dominions differ. from those intended for English 

 use : — 



" In Austro-Hungary and the Principalities, portable engines 

 must have larger fire-boxes, and brakes must be provided for 

 Bohemia. All complications must be avoided as much as 

 possible, and the various parts of the machine must be made 

 upon what is called the ' interchangeable ' principle. This 

 system involves the various castings used in Clayton and 

 Shuttleworth's machines being formed, as far as is possible, so 

 as to replace each other. It is to make replacement in case of 

 breakage as simple as possible. The threshing-machines sup- 

 plied are simple, and of much the same construction as are 

 required in England. The revolving-screen is avoided, and 

 double blowers are used. In Bohemia all the machines have 

 corn-screens, but the artisans are more able to cope with compli- 

 cated machines there, than in Hungary and the Principalities. 

 A wider mouth for feeding is required, and some protection 

 around the mouth to prevent accidents is indispensable. Wilder's 

 patent ' self-feeder ' is being bought by Messrs. Clayton and 

 Shuttleworth. Strength, durability, and simplicity, are much 

 insisted upon by Mr. Shuttleworth. A break-down is the worst 

 thing possible in out-of-the-way districts, where a good repairing 

 or blacksmith's shop is not to be found nearer than Pesth or 

 Vienna." 



Messrs. Ransome, Sims, and Head deserved great credit for 

 the business-like energy, great engineering skill, and appreciation 

 of the requirements of the Empire, displayed in the large collec- 

 tion of agricultural machines sent by them to Vienna. It is far 

 from my wish to give undue prominence to any particular firm, 

 but it is impossible, in reporting upon the agricultural features 

 of the Exhibition, to avoid giving Messrs. Ransome, Sims, and 

 Head a very high place. Much and deserved attention has 

 been given to their portable engine for burning, as fuel, straw, 



