136 BOAKD or AGRICULTURE. 



Semi-portable Engine, by Deering & Co., IndiatmpoHs. This is a four-liorse power 

 engine on skids, which occupies very little space, and has a return flue boiler of the 

 usual form. It has the usual connections and fittings of larger engines, and is a 

 desirable engine where only a small power is required. 



Shipman Engine, by Thos. Reber, Agent, Louim)iUe, Ky. This is a new and novel 

 engine, occupying very little space, and uses coal oil, which is sprayed by a jet of 

 steam from the boiler, as fuel. It has a tubular boiler in which the supply of 

 water is automatically regulated by means of a copper ball floating in the water^ 

 which regulates the supply from the pump. It is supplied with a safety valve, but 

 over-pressure in the boiler and waste of fuel are guarded ag*iust by an arrange- 

 ment that closes the jet and stops the atomizer when steam pressure is up to 120 

 pounds. In the engine two single acting cylinders are used, and steam is admitted 

 to them alternately by means of a rocking valve. The motion is kept regular by 

 a governor on main shaft. All the working parts are encased, protecting then> 

 from dust, and avoiding any danger to careless persons. It is self-oiling and re- 

 quires very little attention in running. It is claimed that it is absolutely free 

 from danger, either from fire or explosion, and if these claims are well founded, as 

 they seem to be, it is peculiarly adapted to use in numberless places where only a 

 light power may be needed. 



Portable Engine, by Stillwater Manufacturing and Car Co., J. B. Parker, Agent, In- 

 dianapolis. This engine differs from others in general use mainly in the construc- 

 tion of the boiler, which has a fire-box and a large, direct flue, 20 to 22 inches in 

 diameter, through the lower part of the cylindrical part of the boiler, and the up- 

 per part is filled with 2^-inch return flues. It is claimed that this arrangement 

 gives better steaming capacity to the boiler, making it easier to raise and maintain 

 a head of steam, and adapts it to the use of all kinds of fuel, either coal, wood or 

 straw. It is supported on a good truck, the rear axle extending around under the 

 fire-box. The engine is a good one in all respects, and is furnished with an inde- 

 pendent steam pump, which may be worked by hand when necessary. 



Traction Engine, Peerless, by Geiser Manufacturing Company, Waynesborough, Pa.; 

 A. C. Hamilton, Agent, Indianapolk. This engine is stylish and attractive in ap- 

 pearance, and has some peculiarities worthy of special notice. The boiler is of the 

 usual locomotive style, with open bottom fire-box; but a notable feature in it is 

 that it has an attachment to the crown-sheet that retains a quantity of water that 

 can not run off' of it in going down grades. This is regarded as a very important 

 addition, as any exposure of fire surface not covered with water is at least very in- 

 jurious, if not immediately dangerous. The engine is gotten up in the best style 

 of workmanship, with all parts made interchangeable. Among noticeable points 

 are that the cylinder, with one head, and the steam chest, are cast in one piece, 

 leaving only two joints to make. There is also a new device for reversing, using 

 only one eccentric. The driving wheels are very large, giving a large surface in 

 coniact with the ground ; and, as it is intended to be used also for plowing, two 

 additions to the wheels are provided which are readily attached or detached that 

 make, when attached, a very wide faced wheel, adapted to pulling heavy loads on 



