342 THE FARMER AT HOME. 



to the World's Fair. It would not be feasible, in a sbort article like 

 the present, to exhibit a description of its several parts, enabling the 

 reader to understand the perfection of its movement and the rapidity 

 of its execution. To realize this, it must be seen when at work : and 

 so wonderful is the result, one would then find a difficulty in believing 

 the evidence of his own senses. When first offered on sale, the pro- 

 prietor guaranteed that it should, on an average, when at work, cut 

 the grain of an acre in forty minutes, or about twenty acres per day ; 

 and in case of failure the machine might be returned. Yet, although 

 several thousands had been sold during the first three years, it was 

 stated at the end of that time, that no one had been returned. No 

 better evidence can be given that it is satisfactory to the purchasers. 



It is drawn by two horses, to be relieved in due time by two 

 others ; and the four are thus to work alternately through the day. 

 A boy of sixteen can drive them, and a man is requried to rake the 

 grain from the machine into parcels on the ground, as it passes on, of 

 a size suitable for sheaves. It will take six or seven hands to bind 

 the sheaves and put them into shocks, as fast as they are made ready. 

 It is also affirmed, that in every acre of land, a bushel of wheat that 

 would be lost from being trodden down or shell out with the use of 

 the cradle, is saved by the machine, which is equal to about three 

 quarters of the cost of operating it. The cost of it is one hundred and 

 twenty dollars. This and the other reaping machines have under- 

 gone, it is believed, since first in use, sundry improvements. When 

 any defect was discovered, a remedy was devised as in machinery 

 generally. 



REINDEER. Amidst the many striking marks which are every 

 where exhibited of the supremacy of that Power that called us into 

 life, in no instance do we trace stronger proofs of his beneficence than 

 in the formation of that animal called the reindeer. In a country 

 where the beauties of nature are unknown, and sterility and barren- 

 ness have established their seat, how dreadful would be the situation 

 of its wretched inhabitants but for the advantages they enjoy from 

 this domesticated friend ! The severity of the climate, which is fatal 

 to many quadrupeds, is the means of increasing this animal's strength ; 

 for whenever it has been transported into a more genial country, the 

 change shortly proves destructive to its life. The comforts of the 

 Laplander absolutely depend upon the services he derives from this 

 useful race of animals : they conduct him over tracts that would 

 otherwise be impassable, supply him with an abundance of whole- 

 some food, and afford his body a covering from the severities of the 

 cold. 



The horns of the reindeer resemble the American elk ; and they 

 likewise have antlers springing from the brow ; it is not so tall an 

 animal as the stag, though it is much stronger, and more calculated 

 to endure fatigue. When they firs shed their coat, their color is 



