164 MECHANICS. 



if the resistance they meet with were irregular ai.d full of 

 obstructions, like those which the plow encounters. 

 Standing grain and grass present a soft and uniform re- 

 sistance, and hence, well-made machines will last several 

 years without much repair. The Report of the Auburn 

 trial of mowers and reapers gives five years as the aver- 

 age " lifetime " of these machines. Much will depend on 

 the amount of work performed in a season ; an extensive 

 farmer states, that he usually cuts about five hundred 

 acres with each machine before it needs renewing. Much, 

 also, depends on the care which the machines receive ; 

 such as keeping them always well sheltered from the 

 weather, and thoroughly cleaning every part, and care- 

 fully wiping the journals and bearings before they are laid 

 aside for the season. 



In selecting mowers and reapers, there are several 

 points which the purchaser should carefully observe ; as, 

 for example 1. Simplicity of construction. 2. Use of 

 best material for knives and other parts used in manufac- 

 ture. 3. Finish and perfection of gearing and running 

 parts. 4. Durability, as proved by use. 5. Ease of 

 draught. 6. Freedom from side draught. 7. Quality 

 of work. 8. Ease of management. 9. Convenience 

 and safety of driver. 10. Adaptation to uneven sur- 

 faces. A part of these points can be fully determined 

 only by thorough trial ; and it is always safest to 

 purchase of those manufacturers whose machines have 

 been long enough in general use to establish their char- 

 acter in these respects. Fortunately, there are many in 

 different parts of the country, vvho have secured a good 

 reputation, from whom machines, or parts for repairs, may 

 be obtained without sending long distances. The report 

 of the Auburn trial, in 1866, states, that out of twenty 

 different mowing-machines, which were tried on a rough 

 meadow, every one, with two exceptions, *' did good 

 woik, which would be acceptable to any farmer ; and the 



