172 



MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



On the second day of the exhibition the mowing machines 

 were tested by a dynamometer, with a view to ascertain, if 

 possible, the amount of power required to work them. 



The several macliines were put to the same test by being 

 drawn, in gear, out of tlie grass, (not cutting,) and afterwards 

 in the grass, (cutting,) for the purpose of estimating the amount 

 of friction or loss of power in working the machines, and also to 

 ascertain the amount of power required to cut the grass. 



Of the mowers for two horses : — 



Of mowing machines for one horse : — 



In presenting these figures, giving the amount of power re- 

 quired to operate the several machines, it is but just to say that 

 the Buckeye mower for two horses, with a cutter-bar four feet 

 six inches long, while others, except the Kniffen, were only four 

 feet long, should be entitled to a proportionate deduction of 

 power, or be accredited with cutting a wider swath with a given 

 number of pounds draft. We have accordingly made a deduc- 

 tion of what we consider a proper proportion of power. 



