552 Transactions of the American Institute. 



niagara ash sifter. 



Mr. D. S. Trowbridge, Stamford, Conn., showed a neat and effec- 

 tive instrument for sifting ashes so as to raise no dust at all. An 

 oblong, cast-iron box has a movable grate on which the coals and 

 ashes are thrown; a few movements of the handle separates the 

 ashes. Of seven tons of coal consumed in the usual Avay, one is 

 thrown away in cinders and half-burnt pieces. 



The Chair suggested that he appear before the Club in the fall, 

 when people are interested in warming apparatus. 



CORN CULTIVATOR AND HARROW. 



Messrs. Rich <fe Meisler, exhibited a model of a harrow and cul- 

 tivator combined. It is built high, the axeltree cumng up like a 

 bell yoke, so as to go astride of corn when it is four feet or more 

 high. It cultivates a width of six feet — two intervals between 

 rows, so that it is driven over every alternate row. It will till t^n 

 acres a day. The cultivators can be changed for harrow teeth in a 

 few minutes. The rims of the wheels are four inches wide, whole 

 weight of the instrument, 400 pounds; cost $100. The Chair sug- 

 gested to the inventor that he make a working model, and show- 

 it in practical operation, so a committee of the Club can form a 

 aiatisfactory opinion of its merits and report on the same. 



Adjourned. 



April 28, 1868. 



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



BLACK KNOTS IN CHERRY TREES. 



Mr. E. Taintor, Harford, Cortland county, N. Y. — About twenty- 

 five years ago, my cherry trees, as was generally the case in this 

 vicinity, were killed by the black knot. Observed grubs in the 

 knots while they were in the green state, in the months of June 

 and July, and supposed that the grubs caused the knots. Procured 

 another kind of trees which had not then been attacked by knots, 

 and which were 'supposed to be proof against them. For twenty 

 years or more, no knots appeared on them, but in June, 1865, while 

 building a jjarden fence, some of the trees being in the wav, and 

 finding many knots on them, and knowing the fate of my trees 



