The Trials of Potato Diggers and Potato Sorters. 247 



the latter to cut a number of potatoes, but a skief can always 



be fitted for those who prefer it. 



Messrs. Blackstone & Co.'s second prize raiser was 

 of a heavier type than that which obtained the premier 

 position, but the driver elected to walk instead of occu- 

 pying the seat provided. The Engineer noticed that 

 the draught was raised about GO lb. if the attendant 

 rode. 



The feathering action of the eight slowly revolving 

 forks was somewhat similar to that used so successfully 

 by the firm on their swath turners, and was admirably 

 adapted for quietly digging the tubers and depositing 

 them in a limited width without much damage. The 



Fig. 2.— Blarkstone's Second Prize Potato Digger. 



number of wearing parts is very small, each fork arm having 

 only one working joint. The Judges were asked afterwards 

 to inspect the working of an adjunct to this machine, which 

 was supposed to clear the way, and thus allow several rows 

 to be dug without waiting for the previous ones to be picked ; 

 it was not, however, quite a success. 



Great interest was shown in the machine No. 14, by David 

 Wilson, PJast Linton, Prestonkirk, and there were great expec- 



