328 Report on the Exhibition and Trial of Implements 



only points of advantage which the introduction of these machines confers upon 

 agriculture. By their aid we can cany out a complete system of autumnal 

 cultivation now so generally admitted to be desirable, but which it is extremely 

 difficult to effect with the ordinary force of a farm, in ordinary seasons, and 

 under ordinary circumstances. We can continue our cultivation by ploughing 

 or otherwise, well nigh regardless of weather, and upon land which would not 

 bear the pressure of horse labour. We have perfect control over the work 

 we wish to have done ; and when it is done, it is found to be more regular 

 throughout, and to be in a more open and desirable condition than could be 

 obtained by the best and most judicious application of the ordinary implements 

 of a farm. These are points which we cannot too strongly recommend to the 

 attention of those interested in the advancement of agriculture. 



We wish it to be distinctly understood that throughout the trials we have 

 charged the machines with the maximum of workiiu/ expenses, and have 

 credited them with the minimwin value fo?' the work performed. We feel con- 

 fident that, when in constant operation on a farm, the work done would be at a 

 lower rate of cost than that now given, and their great advantages then more 

 clearly and directly shown. At the same time, too, it must not be forgotten 

 that the engines themselves are equally applicable to all the other power pur- 

 poses of the farm. 



From the foregoing results of the trials intrusted to our decision by the 

 Council of the Royal Agricultural Society, and conducted througliout under 

 our immediate supervision, it is beyond question that Mr. Fowler's machine 

 is able to turn over the soil in an efficient manner at a saving, as compared 

 with horse labour, on light land of 2^ to 25 per cent. ; on heavy land 25 to 30 

 per cent. ; and in trenching of 80 to 85 per cent. ; while the soil in all cases is 

 left in a far more desirable condition, and better adapted for all the purposes 

 of husbandry. We are, therefore, unanimously of opinion that he is fully 

 entitled to the prize of 500/., and we make our award accordingly. 



The results of the trials of Messrs. Howard's machine also ])rove that by 

 it also the soil can be inverted in an efficient manner, and at a less cost than 

 by horse or manual labour. We think, therefore, that some acknowledgment 

 of its merits is due from the Society, and we beg to recommend for the 

 consideration of the Council that a large gold medal of honour be i)resented to 

 Messrs. Howard, " for the practical introduction of Smith's apt>Iication of steam 

 power to facilitate autumnal cultivation, now generally admitted to be de- 

 sirable on all descriptions of soils." 



The Council will be gratified to learn that already 23 of these machines 

 have been sent out by the manufacturers, and that 20 of them are being suc- 

 cessfully worked by tenant farmers, 



Jno. Clarke, Long Sutton. 

 Joseph Duuce, Eynsham, Oxon. 

 George Shackel, Earlsley Court, Reading 

 John Wilson, Edinburgh. 



Thrashing-Machines. 



This was unquestionably the most important trial of this kind of machinerj' 

 ever undertaken. The number of entries far exceeded our anticipations, no 

 less than eighty-nine machines of various powers being brought forward for 

 trial, enough certainly to test our courage and physical powers. However, 

 our labours as Judges were shared in common with the senior steward, Sir 

 Archibald K. MacDonald, who, with his usual courtesy, was ever ready to 

 aid us, and did all in his power to lighten our duties. Messrs. Appold 

 and Amos, jun., worked the dynamometer throughout the trials with unre- 



