at the Chester Meeting, 1858. 



321 



thougli naturally of a very light description, offered considerable resistance 

 owing to its surface being firmly bound together by a luxuriant growth of 

 couch and other grasses, and represented a fair trial ground for two-horse 

 work. Indeed a dynaraometrical experiment with one of Howard's PL ploughs, 

 drawn by two horses, and taking a 6 by 10-inch furrow, showed that the re- 

 sistance offered was equal to 32 stones, or 4 cwts. 



From various causes the arrangements for working Boydell's engine were 

 not completed within the time appointed for the trials ; and although it was sub- 

 sequently at work, exhibiting its great powers of traction, both with Coleman's 

 cultivator and Williams' frame of ploughs attached, we are not able, for the 

 above reason, to give any report upon its work or comparative merits. 



The set of ploughs entered for trial by Crowley and Sons was unprovided 

 with any motive power, which had to be supplied by Fowler's engine. This 

 fact alone disqualified these exhibitors from taking part in a com}:)etition, the 

 principal element of which was the power, and not the mere tool or implement 

 by which the work was to be performed. On trial, however, the set of ploughs 

 got deranged, and was at once withdrawn. 



The rotary steam cultivator of Ricketts, although unsuccessful, demands 

 more than a passing notice, as it contaitis many points well worthy of con- 



RiCKETTs' Rotary Cultivator. 



Side elevation, showing steerage and driving gear. 



