No. 4. 



The Virginia Chaff, or Straw Cutter 



113 



THE VIRGINIA CHAFF OR STRAW CUTTER. 



The above cut represents the Straw or Chaff Cutter, invented by the talented editor 

 of " The Southern Planter," C. T. Botts, Esq., which obtained the first Premium at the 

 late Exhibition of the Philadelphia Agricultural Society. The mode of its operation is 

 simple and efficient, and its performance was admitted to be superior; cutting the straw of 

 a proper length for feed, and making clean work. A description of this valuable addition 

 to our Agricultural Implements, is given in a late Number of " The Southern Planter," 

 published at Richmond, Virginia, — which work we strongly recommend to the notice of 

 our readers ; and from thence we copy the following remarks : 



" The Inventor had been long ago satisfied, that the qualities required in a Straw Cutter, 

 were simplicity and durability. Many Cutters whilst in order, are sufficiently effective ; 

 but from the failure to bring them within the power of common management, they have 

 generally been abandoned for the imperfect Cutters made by the common black-smiths of 

 the country. Keeping this fact in view, and deeming it unimportant whether it required 

 one minute or two to cut a bushel of straw, the Inventor applied himself to the construc- 

 tion of a knife, which, if less rapid in execution, would be more durable, and within the 

 control of the simplest capacity. This he found no easy task ; but after years of thought 

 and trial, he flatters himself, that he has more than accomplished the end ; — for while the 

 knife is perfect in simplicity and ease of management, its efficiency is not inferior to that 

 of any other in use. And while others were satisfied with the knife as it was made twelve 

 months ago, the Proprietor was not; — he has finally succeeded in rendering it still more 

 simple ; and it is now offered to the public without fear of competition. The nature of 

 this last improvement consists chiefly, in shortening the knives, as represented in the en- 

 graving ; they are now not wider, and are as easily ground and set, as a plane-iron ; and, 

 except to turn the crank, that is all the operator has to do, from one year's end to another. 



These Cutters are made up in the most perfect and substantial manner, and are offered 

 at prices as low as can be afforded — regard being had to substance and durability in the 

 machine. The largest size is sold at $ 30 ; — the smaller size, rather lighter, and of a 

 somewhat different construction, $ 25." 



Application may be made to the Proprietors, Messrs. Botts & Burfoot, Richmond, 

 Virginia, — or to Landreth & Munns, at their Agricultural and Horticultural Ware- 

 house, No. 65 Chesnut Street, Philadelphia. — Ed. 



