6 



The photolithographic cuts in this article are reproductions of these 

 pictures. 



I.-WHO WAS FIRST WITH A MACHINE * 



The history of Hussey's reaper as herewith presented shows that 

 it never was a success. As McCormick's was a success, it therefore 

 makes no difference which one was first in point of time. But in ad- 

 dition to this the facts clearly demonstrate McCormick's priority. 



In the suit of McCormick vs. Manny, Hussey testified on the 28th 

 day of August, 1855, and was asked this question and gave this answer: 



"Have you invented and used any reaping machine, and if so, 

 how long since? 



" I invented and used a reaping machine in 1833." 



Hussey never claimed an earlier date of conception than 1833. 

 He published a pamphlet in 1854, written by his friend, Edward Stab- 

 ler, entitled, " A Brief Narrative of the Invention of Reaping Ma- 

 chines/' in which is the following sentence: 



" Neither Hussey nor anyone else for him has ever asserted that 

 his invention was prior to 1833." 



In the Lexington Union, September 18, 1833, following a long 

 description of McCormick's machine, is the following testimonial : 



" July 18, 1833. 



" I have seen Mr. Cyrus H. McCormick's grain cutting machine 

 in operation for two seasons. It cut for me this season- I think it 

 will perform well where the ground is free of rocks and stumps ; and 

 will be a great saving "over hand labor and can be so constructed as to 

 cut much wider than at present, and I think it well worth the attention 

 of the public. I think it will cut about 12 acres per day by being well 

 attended. (Signed) JOHN WIER." 



" I certify that Cyrus H. McCormick's reaping machine cut 1 1 

 acres of wheat for me on the sixth day of this month, and the grain was 

 cut clean and neat. 



" July 13, 1833. WM. MOORE." 



This Wier testimonial carries the McCormick machine back to 

 1832, and the Moore testimonial shows that it was a success. 



The Mechanics' Magazine of April, 1834, contained the picture 

 of Hussey's reaper that we herewith produce. This came to McCor- 



