250 TRANSACTIONS OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE. 



the ridge of earth rises over the scoop-plow, and passes back vines, 

 potatoes, and all on to the shaker, which separates the potatoes 

 so effectually from the dirt that no more are covered with earth 

 than are lost in mellow dirt when the digging is performed by 

 hand. The committee manas-ed this digo-er with their own hands, 

 and found that it requires about the same degree of skill that is 

 essential to run a mower or reaper. Where this digger was tested, 

 the potato vines were so large, dead and dry, that they did clog 

 a little, so that it was found advantageous to remove the loose 

 vines by once drawing an iron rake over the rows. Notwithstand- 

 ing this obstruction, the committee desire to express their appro- 

 bation of the machine as a valuable labor-saving machine, which 

 they regard as a triumphant success, needing only such slight 

 modifications as further use in different soils and under various 

 circumstances may show to be necessary. Such a modification 

 would be the adjustment of the shaker so that the potatoes may 

 not be scattered over so great a breadth of ground. The scoop- 

 plow performs the task of lifting the potatoes in a most admirable 

 manner ; and we were not able to discover the necessity of any 

 improvement in this part of the machine. The dirt and potatoes 

 having once reached the grate or shaker, their separation is inevita- 

 ble, its action is so rapid and violent. We removed the loose 

 potatoes, and dug over the ground in several different places in 

 search of potatoes below the passage of the plow ; and we Avere 

 pleased to find that the digger brought fully as many potatoes to 

 the surface of the mellow soil as are lifted by any other manner 

 of digging ; and all the farmers present, most of whom grow 

 potatoes quite extensively, conceded that the machine dug as clean 

 as laborers with hand-tools. 



Do you inquire how the digger will operate on stony ground ? 

 We answer, just as satisfactory as a mower will work where there 

 are stone heaps, loose stones, snags, roots and stumps to mow 

 over and around. Our judgment is, that this machine is destined 

 to rank with tlie best and most valuable implements of the pres- 

 ent day. With reference to the digger operating on foul laud 

 where the vines are large, tough and green, the committee can 

 say nothing, as no such places were operated upon. The ground 

 dug over was very favorable and clear. 



