86 BRIEF NARRATIVE OF THE 



machine was laid aside. The blade in this machine appears to me to 

 be too delicate in its cutting surface, to succeed, except under the 

 most favorable circumstances. Quite a number of McCormick's have 

 been in use in this part of the country, during the last 2 years, and to 

 my inquiries concerning them, I have received but one answer and 

 that an unfavorable one. The few of Hussey's machines, on the con- 

 trary, that have been employed within my ken, have in each instance 

 given entire satisfaction— I do not hesitate to say that when well 

 managed, with a skilful hand at the rake, in dry wheat, I do not 

 recommend it when the straw is wet.) it will, as compared with 

 ordinary cutting, save per acre the entire expense of reapin<i, from the 

 thorough manner in which every stalk is cut, thus preventing loss 

 or waste. 



Believing as I do, that a great desideratum to those who grow 

 wheat upon a large scale, is to be found in Mr. Hussey's Reaper, I 

 cannot but wish that both he and they may reap the benefit of its 

 general adoption. 



I am sir, very respectfully your ob't serv't, 



JosiAH Collins. 



Edenton, N. C. January 25th, i! 

 To the Editor of the American Farmer: 



Dear Sir: — Some months ago I received a letter from you, making 

 enquiries of me, relative to Hussey's Reaping Machine. When your 

 letter reached me, I was on the eve of leaving home for the summer, 

 and since my return home, my engagements have been of such a 

 character as to cause me until the present to neglect replying to it. 



I have used one of Hussey's machines one season, and though 

 under circumstances not very favorable for the machine, I take 

 pleasure in stating that its operation was satisfactory. During my 

 harvest, which was about three weeks' duration, this machine was kept 

 constantly at work, with the exception of a day and a half, yet I did 

 not ascertain how many acres it would reap. Mr. Collins, of Lake 

 Scuppernong, also used one last season, and from him I learned that 

 he cut upwards of 20 acres a day. 



There is certainly much less wheat left in the field by one of these 

 machines, than is by the ordinary method of reaping by the scythe or 

 reap hook; it cuts close, lays the .straw smoothly, thus rendering tying 

 of it in sheaves much easier. 



I have witnessed McCormick's, which I consider a poor affair, and 



meriting no consideration except a dissent from me. Many of this 



last kind of reaper found their way here a few years ago; they now, or 



rather their remains, may be seen lying in the field whence they will 



never be removed. 



Thos. D. Warren. 



