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On' Hot Masses Straw Cutter, by JR. Peters, Esq. 



Read February, 11th, 1817. 



Belmont, 8th April, 1817. 



Dear Sir, 



I enclose a letter from Mr. I. C. Jones, to be read to the 

 Society. I sent to the press (Poulson) the publication he 

 alludes to, and it has had an extensive effect ; for many 

 now chaff their hay, straw, and corn-fodder. Hotchkiss ? s 

 straw-cutter was introduced here, at my suggestion, by 

 the unremitting exertion of my son Richard ; who had 

 many teasing embarrassments, before he could obtain the 

 establishment for the agents of the patentee. It is get- 

 ting into great credit ; and when it is further improved, 

 I am satisfied it will become generally used. I perceive 

 in the public prints, that in N. England, they have added 

 a fly-wheel of longer diameter. 1 told the agents that 

 this was much wanted, as well to remedy, in this or some 

 other way, its defect in the slow and irregular protru- 

 sion of the hay, or straw, for the operation of the knife, 

 as for encreasing its number of strokes. I find a won- 

 derful saving of provender, by chaffing it. But my ser- 

 vants have been reluctant and incredulous. They mend 

 a little, and I see the advantages of their amelioration. 

 I account for the utility of chaffing, by its exposing more 



