400 TRANSACTIONS OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE. 



Phifer's Improved Plow axd Cultivator. 

 Brctirly & Seaman, TreiitoK, N. J., exhibited a model of this 

 plow and cultivator, which they claim will do a great variety of 

 work, even to sowing cotton; was in use last year: is a gang plow; 

 works corn, potatoes, &c. A committee was appointed to see it 

 work and report. The chair named Messrs. J. A. Macy, Mr. Car- 

 penter and Mr. Todd. 



Farm Gates. 



Mr. J. Hihbard, South Butler, N. Y., exhibited a model of a 

 farm gate. This seemed an improvement on my other gates and 

 attracted attention. 



Messrs. Dixon & Close, Port Byron, X. Y., also exhibited a model 

 of a gate. This gate is easily opened while one is on horseback 

 or in a buggy, and for a nice affair hardly can be excelled. 



Burr Millstone Dresser. 



Mr. J. H. Gray, Boston, Mass., exhibited an exceedingly useful 

 and ingenious machine for dressing millstones, or for holding the 

 " pick " while the dressing is being performed. The pick is secured 

 in one end of a handle, the rear end of which turns on a straight, 

 round rod, which enables the operator to trace a line on the face 

 of the stone with the greatest accuracy. 



It was stated that millstones dressed with such a tool will make 

 a greater percentage of flour, as the grinding edges are more per- 

 fect and will consequently grind more perfectl3^ 



The chief difBculty in dressing small portable millstones which 

 are employed on the farm, is the want of practice in handling the ^ 

 mill-pick. But with such an arrangement unskilled farmers can 

 dress their millstones about as true as an expert in such business. 

 The device is durable and by no means expensive. 



The Chair proposed that it be referred to Mr. Hecker, the largest 

 miller in this city, and that he report to the club. 



Mr. E. Baldwin, of Xew Haven, thought this would be of great 

 use in finishing flag stones where nicety is required. 



A Steam Plow. 



Mr. George Willard, No. 614 Hudson street, N. Y., exhibited a 



model of his steam plow, and explained the parts, and stated that 



a working model is in the process of construction. It has been 



examined by scientific engineers and mechanics, who speak of it 



