Ch.;XIV.] ON THRASHING. 199 



and is connected by the shafts D C with the " horse-work " standing in the yard. The 

 horses are attached to the ends of the levers, and are driven by a lad seated on the 

 centre at A, stepping with perfect ease over the connecting shaft D, which turns with a 

 very rapid motion, acquired hy the great difference in diameter between tlie horsewheel 

 and the pinion on the shaft C, which shafts are connected by an universal joint, and a 

 further velocity is acquired by the introduction of a pair of wheels on the barn-work, one 

 of which works on the spindle attached to the shaft D, and the other on the axis of the 

 beaters, which are four in number, and thrash out the corn with astonishing rapidity. 

 The corn is put into the machuie at E, and the straw driven out over the grating at F. 

 The quantity thraslied will in great measure depend on the nature and quality of the 

 grain, and the good or ill management of tliose engaged in the work ; but, under favour- 

 able circumstances, the machine will thrash seven coombs of wheat per hour *. 



This will afford a sufficient idea of the implement, but we deem it unne- 

 cessary to give a detailed description of the machinery of any of these 

 mills, as they can only be built by regular millwrights: we shall therefore 

 confine ourselves to a brief account of their usual management, with this 

 remark — that but few of them are erected upon correct principles; nor do 

 farmers possess sufficient mechanical knowledge to enable them to judge 

 of their imperfections. 



A part of the barn is commonly appropriated to that portion of the 

 fixed machinery by which the operations of thrashing and winnowing are 

 performed. The preferable power is decidedly that of either water or 

 steam — the former as the most economical, and the later the most steady ; 

 for, whatever be the nature of the moving power of the mill, it should be 

 made to act with an equal force throughout tbe whole process. The most 

 generally employed is, however, that of active horses, working a large 

 wheel, in the manner of a mill, placed under a covered shed outside the 

 barn, but communicating with the machine. The number of these is never 

 less than two, nor more than six, but is usually four, and they should be 

 cattle of much activity as well as strength ; for the perfect execution of the 

 work requires that they should be driven with speed. The unthrashed 

 straw is placed on a floor immediately above the machinery ; underneath 

 is an apartment for tlie reception of the corn, after it has passed through 

 the machine, and adjoining is the straw-barn : there is ali^o an apartment 

 called a " dressing-barn," in which the grain is winnowed and prepared 

 for market. 



In commencing the operation of thrashing with the mill, it lias been 

 properly remarked, " that the power should be at first applied with caution ; 

 tor a great and rapid force is apt to strain some weaker part of the ma- 

 chinery, and even if all the horses start strongly oft" at first, the course- 

 wheel may be heard to creak t- The full velocity of the mill should, there- 

 fore, be gradually produced before any corn is put in, and, in feeding it, one 

 sheaf at a time, spread evenly on the board, is quite sufficient for those of 

 ordinary power ; for, if its speed be impeded, much of the corn will 

 remain untouched. Oats, in a damp state, are the most apt to produce this 

 retarding effect ; but it is also occasioned by wheat, if the straw be tough 

 and long." Regularity of motion is also essential to the perfect freeing 

 of the straw from its grain ; and, whatever may be the nature of the 

 moving power of the machine, it should be made to act with equal force 

 throughout the work, or much waste may be occasioned by supplying it 

 uneqmvlly. Thus the sheaves should be steadily furnished in due propor- 

 tion to the strength employed ; for whicli, indeed, no rule can be given, 



* Survey of Essex, vol. i. p. 48. 



• f See a very detailed and intelligent article, in the Quarterly Journal of Agriculture, 

 on Barn Management_, N. S, vol, iii. 



