78 INSTRUMENTS OF HUSBANBRY. 



ners attached to it, driven by a belt from the end of the 

 axle of the threshing drum ; but where the machine is dri- 

 ven by horses, the working of a second pair, for cleaning 

 the grain completely, is rather found to be severe upon 

 them : the second pair of fanners is therefore generally 

 driven by hand. Some recommend a small water-wheel, 

 totally unconnected with the threshing machinery, for dri- 

 ving the second fanner, which, by affording a steady equa- 

 ble motion, would separate completely the light grain from 

 the heavy.* By some improvements in the late-erected ma- 

 chinery, it is said, that hand-fanners are rendered unneces- 

 sary, and that the cleaning of the grain is completed, at the 

 same time that it is threshed, so that the grain may be mea- 

 sured into the sacks. This would indeed be an essential 

 improvement. At the same time, owing to the inequality 

 of motion necessarily attendant on the operation of thresh- 

 ing, the second fanner, for separating the light grain from 

 the good, will not accomplish the purpose intended, in a 

 perfect manner, if it goes at the same time with the mill. 

 Perhaps it would be expedient, that the threshing and fan- 

 ning processes should go at different times, when horses 

 are employed, at least in threshing of wheat. 



Papin, was introduced by the Dutch into the barn, and brought to Scot- 

 land by Meikle, the father of the inventor of the threshing machine. 

 Others contend, that the idea originated in China, though it has been 

 greatly improved since its introduction into this country. 



* Mr Cuthbertson finds, that the two pair of fanners attached to his 

 water threshing-mill, perform their work so well, that oats or beans are 

 completely finished for market ; wheat and barley, however, require an 

 additional dressing by the hand-fanners. The water, however, cannot be 

 exclusively employed for the winnowing process, unless when it is abun- 

 dant 



