18G0. 



NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 



17 





J. M. FA^WKES'S STEAM PLO"WI]SrG MAOHIiraS. 



We present the reader, to-day, -with an engrav- 

 ing of the &-st Steam Plow, we believe, that has 

 been put into practical operation in this country. 

 We do this, more with a view to keep the reader 

 acquainted with what is going on in the world of 

 agricultural machinery, than with any expectation 

 that it will be adopted in New England during the 

 present century. It is probable that its use can- 

 not be made profitable except on extensive tracts 

 of clear and pretty level land, or on large estates 

 owned by individuals, that have been brought un- 

 der a high state of cultivation. 



In the recent trial at the U. S. Fair in Illinois, 

 it was said that its ease of motion, the facility 

 with which it may be turned, and the manner in 

 which the plows may be controlled, all commend 

 it to the consideration of a discriminating public, 

 and its successful and extraordinary performance 

 upon proper soils have elicited the highest com- 

 mendation and praise. It wili not answer upon 

 stumpy ground, or in any other in which the 

 plows will be constantly meeting obstructions 

 which require them to yield or break. On a large 

 portion of our farming-lands, especially on our 

 western prairies, however, this machine seems des- 

 tined to be of very important and immense ser- 

 vice, furnishing, according to the estimate of the 



committee of the Illinois State Fair, the means of 

 doing this work for one-fourth of its present ex- 

 pense. 



The illustration of this machine, given above, 

 was kindly furnished us by Mr. Fawkes, the in- 

 ventor. We hope it will meet his own expecta- 

 tir'-ns, and prove a machine of value to the world. 



For the Neio England Farmer. 

 GRAPES FOK OPEET CULTTJilE IM" MAIIXTE. 



Mr. Brown : — The cultivation of grapes in 

 Maine is yet in its infancy ; but I am hapjiy to say 

 a lively interest, in some portions of our State, is 

 beginning to be awakened, from the fact that it is 

 found they ])ay as well as other desirable fruits, 

 and are at least as reliable. We have our full 

 share in Bangor, of grapes cultivated under glass, 

 but it cannot be expected that many persons in 

 our country towns v/ill afford the expense. 



It is important for us to find those varieties 

 i which are hardy, early, of good flavor and produc- 

 ' tire. All these qualities are indispensable for our 

 success in Maine, for open culture. 



Several of our pomological gentlemen are en- 

 gaged in originating new varieties of grapes, and 

 it is whispere^l one of the distinguished horticul- 

 turists is about bringing out several new varieties 

 v.-hich may be valuable acquisitions to our present 

 stock. 



