Book IV. 



HAND MACHINES. 



385 



2562. The rope-twisting machine (Jig- 273.), is a small 

 wheel, the prolonged axle or spindle of which terminates in a 

 hook, on which the rope is commenced. It is commonly 

 fixed to a portable stand ; but is sometimes attached to a 

 threshing-machine. It is used for twisting ropes of straw, hay, 

 or rushes, for tying on the thatch of ricks, and other similar 

 purposes. It is also used to form very thick ropes for forming 

 straw drains. 



2563. The draught-machine, or dynamometer, is a contri- 

 vance invented for the purpose of ascertaining the force or 

 power of draught, in drawing ploughs, &c. Finlayson's (fig. 

 274.) is reckoned one of the best varieties for agricultural 

 purposes. 



2564. More's draught-machine is a spring coiled within a cylindrical case, having a 

 dial-plate marked with numbers like that of a clock, and so contrived that a hand moves 



274 



In using 



275 



with the motion of the spring, and points to the numbers in proportion as 

 the force is exerted : for instance, when the draught equals one cwt. over 

 a pulley, the hand points to figure 1 ; when the draught is equal to two 

 cwt. it points to figure 2, and so on. Till this very useful machine was 

 invented, it was exceedingly difficult to compare the draught of different 

 ploughs, as there was no rule to judge by, but the exertions of the horses 

 as apparent to the eye ; a very undecisive mode of ascertaining their force. 

 2565._ Braby's draught-machine (Jig. 275.), consists of two strong steel 

 plates, joined at the ends, and forming a spheroidal opening between them, 

 it, one end {a) is hooked on the muzzle of the plough or other implement, 

 and to the other (6) the 

 draught trees are at- 

 tached. An indicator 

 (c) points out the power 

 applied, in cwts. It is 

 evident that Braby's 

 machine and Finlay- 

 son's act on the same 

 principle, and that the 

 latter, being more simple in the construction, must 

 be a more accurate indicator, and less liable to go 

 out of order. 



2566. The weighing-cage (fig. 276.) is a contri- 

 vance made in the form of a sort of open box or cage, by which any small animal, 

 as a pig, sheep, calf, &c. may be very easily and expeditiously weighed, and with 

 sufficient accuracy for the farmer's purpose. It is constructed on the principle of the 

 common steelyard, with a strong wooden frame and steel centres, in which the pivots of 

 the lever are hung ; and upon the short side of the lever is suspended a coop, surrounded 

 by strong network, in which the animal intended to be weighed is placed. The point 

 277 rrw^. °^ suspension is connected with the coop 



by means of two curved iron rods, which 

 at the same time form the head of it ; a 

 common scale being hung on the longer 

 side of the lever. 



2567. The cattle - weighing machine 

 is a contrivance of the steelyard kind, 

 for the purpose of weighing cattle and 

 other animals alive. A machine of this 

 sort is of importance in the grazing and 

 fattening systems, 

 where they are 

 carried to any con- 

 siderable extent, 

 — in ascertaining the 

 progress made by 

 and showing how they pay for the use of any par- 



^< 



the animals. 



ticularkind of food, or what power it has in promoting the fattening 

 process. Weir's variety (fig. 277.) is by far the simplest and most 

 economical of these machines. 



*2568. The weighing-machine Jor saclcs (fig. 278. ) is a convenient 

 piece of barn-furniture on the steelyard principle, and so com- 

 mon as to require no description. 



C o 



278 



