PROCEEDINGS OF THE FARMERS' CLUB. 277 



Mr, F. C. Bradshaw. — The country mills never attempt to grind 

 so close as merchant mills. It is close grinding that injures flour. 

 Good wholesome flour should have a slightly rough feel and lively 

 look. Good flour cannot be made in a dull mill. Some flour that 

 shows too many specks to pass inspection as superfine, is really 

 better for use than the very whitest. 



SELF-RAiaNG Attachment to Reaping Machines. 



Mr. Solon Robinson. — In connection with the subject of wheat, 

 I have to announce the request of F. Nishwitz, Williamsburgh, N. 

 y., to have this club appoint a committee to examine a new inven- 

 tion of his, which he hopes will prove a better self-raker attach- 

 ment to reaping machines than any other yet discovered. It is to 

 have a public trial to-morrow at Millington, Morris county, N. J., 

 in a field of clover and weed's, which will exhibit the principle 

 upon which the new plan works. I have examined the plan, and 

 am highly impressed with the idea. From extensive observation 

 in the field and a thorough examination of this sul)ject at the great 

 reaper trial at Auburn last July, I am well satisfied that a perfect 

 self-raking machine is the greatest desideratum now sought by 

 farmers. I therefore hope a committee will be appointed to 

 examine this machine, and also a new earth pulverizer, a substi- 

 tute for the harrow, which will be exhibited at the same time. 



After some discussion upon the importance of this new inven- 

 tion, Solon Robinson, Mr. J. Crane, and Mr. S. E, Todd were 

 appointed to examine and report at the next meeting of the club. 



An Ice-House that Fails, 

 Mr, Benjamin Gardner, Covington, Fountain county, Ind., 

 wants information about an ice-house, built at large expense, two 

 years ago, that fails. "It is 16x16 feet outside, covered with 

 dressed weather-boardingj has a space of two feet all around the 

 house inside, which space is filled with tan bark; and the inside 

 wall between the bark and ice is of inch oak boards not matched; 

 the roof is of shingles. On Lhe square of the house, under the 

 eves, joists are laid, and a loose floor. There is a ventilator of 

 wood, running up from the upper floor through the roof, 12 

 inches square; the house is above ground and has joists laid on 

 the earth, and a plank loose floor which the ice rests on; there 

 are double doors, front and back of the building, used in filling; 

 Avhen the house is filled the loose floor is laid down and between 



