FARM IMPLEMENTS. 159 



for so meagre a show in this department, was in consequence 

 of the small amount of premiums offered, viz., f 10, whereas it 

 should have been at least $40. If our grass fields are to be cut 

 by horse-power, our agricultural societies should be more liberal 

 in offering premiums, that we may have greater competition and 

 bring out the best machines. Manifestly the horse-mower is the 

 greatest labor-saving machine to the farmer that has yet " been 

 got up." It was the prevailing opinion, less than eight years 

 ago, that there was not brain enough in New England to get up 

 a mowing-machine of one horse power worthy the name of a 

 horse-mower. Yet at the present time there are probably more 

 one-horse machines used in Worcester North than of the other 

 kind. Of the two machines entered, — the Buckeye and Clip- 

 per, — we have to say that the Committee were not unanimous 

 in awarding the premium. 



About four years ago, these two machines were exhibited in 

 the field, before a committee, for their preference. Hence the 

 general movement of the machines was critically examined, 

 and after the hay had been removed, the committee again ex- 

 amined the field and were not unanimous. This committee was 

 composed of one professional gentleman and four practical 

 farmers, each of whom was the owner of a horse-mower ; yet 

 they were equally divided in giving their preference. The 

 chairman, not being a practical farmer, declined giving an 

 opinion. One member of the present Committee was also a 

 member of the committee in the field where the machines were 

 exhibited and had a fair trial. Hence, from the experience we 

 have had in using horse-mowers, we are satisfied that the good 

 work done is not all in the machine ; that it requires a good 

 team before it, and a man of judgment and common sense be- 

 hind it. Now we have simply to say, that we have seen just as 

 good work done by the Clipper as by the Buckeye, and by the 

 Wood machine as either ; and Joseph Marshall, of North Leom- 

 inster, performs first-rate work with the Union, while Solon 

 Carter, with the " old Manny," will do as good work as the next 

 man with any machine. 



Horse-Rakes. — As this farm implement has for so long a time 

 been used in this section, it is hardly necessary to speak of its 

 merits. Those who have used the old wooden revolver, very 

 well known that one acre can be raked in less than an hour. 



