Proceedings of the Farmer^ Club. 323 



was unnecessarily heavy for the strength required. Therefore, he 

 ordered the pattern reduced to the present size. The amount of 

 iron saved by that trifling reduction of the pattern of the crank 

 was M^orth $1,000 annually to the company. 



The simple fact suggests the eminent importance of understand- 

 ing the required strength of the materials employed in the con- 

 struction of everj^ tool and implement, whether it is to be used by 

 farmers or mechanics. A few ounces of iron in a small part of a 

 machine may often be saved, thus reducing the expense of the 

 implement, and at the same time retaining consistent strength. 



Adjourned. 



November 12, 1867. 



Mr. Nathan C. Ely in the chair; Mr. John W. Chambbbs, Secretary 



PEAK TEEES. 



Mr. J. F. Stearns, Lowell, Oxford county. Me. — Having set out 

 some pear trees, I wish to know if they should be covered this 

 winter, and, if so, what is the best material? 



Mr. P. T. Quinn. — Straw or salt hay will be good. Mr. Qiiiun 

 then read an article on pear culture, which previously, he had 

 delivered before the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. He had 

 tried as many as one hundred varieties, but all except five or six 

 had been given up. Of dwarf pears he was forced to confess that he 

 could not make them profitable. The best form is the p^nramidal, 

 the lower branches being longer than the next above, while care is 

 taken to thin out the branches so as to give air and light. 



PLASTIC SLATE ROOFmG. 



For nearly two years past the Club has received constant inqui- 

 ries on the subject of plastic slate and coal tar for covering build- 

 ings, and the accounts have been of such conflicting character that 

 the Club appointed a committee consisting of P. T. Quinn, Newark, 

 N. J.; Isaac Hicks, Westbury, L. I.; William L. Carpenter, S. 

 Edwards Todd and Solon Robinson, New York city, to inquire into 

 and report facts in regard to the value of plastic slate for roofing 

 and other pui-poses. The committee, individually and collectively, 

 have honestly endeavored for several months past to ascertain the 

 truth, and they made a report through Mr. Quinn, the chairman, 

 to the effect that this kind of roofing is being employed to a large 



