AMERICAN INSTITUTE. 4*l7 



some such power as steam, than was ever cultivated at any one time by 

 man ; and there is, consequently, the greatest fortune awaiting the success- 

 ful inventor of a power plow — worked by steam or some other motor — that 

 ever any individual possessed. Even should it cost as much per acre to 

 plow by steam as by animal power, still the possibility of doing all the 

 plowing required at the very time it is needed, would give steam plowing a 

 decisive advantage. 



Mr. Secley. — If the subject of steam plowing is to be discussed, some 

 one should prepare an abstract of all that has been done in the matter both 

 here and in England, so that we may know exactly the state of the me- 

 chanical problem as it now stands. The idea of working the soil by steam 

 is not new, and we should have information as to what has already been 

 accomplished. 



Professor Hedrick. — There may have been made some crude inventions, 

 bearing on this subject, thirty years ago, but then a new invention is like 

 an animal in so far as it requires time in which to grow to maturity. 

 Seldom has a first inventor perfected the machine which he designed to 

 produce. That has required the successive labors of several minds. 



Mr. Garbanati. — It is cheaper to consult books than to try experiments. 

 It would, therefore, seem to be ordinary prudence to ascertain what had been 

 attempted and accomplished by others, rather than to begin from the first to 

 invent all details. Mechi, of London, uses steam for cultivating his farm. 



Dr. Reuben. — I agree with Professor Hedrick that inventions require 

 time to mature. The problem of steam locomotion on common roads is in 

 this particular very similar to that of steam plowing. Both are now being 

 satisfactorily solved. Fawkes has satisfactorily solved that of plowing, 

 and Fisher that of locomotion on common roads. 



Several gentlemen present spoke in high terms of the performance of 

 Fawkes' plow. The drum acting as a driving wheel, and preventing its 

 sticking into soft ground, was looked upon as a masterly device. After 

 some further conversation on steam plowing, the Association adjourned, 

 having determined to continue the subject of "Novelties at the Fair," for 

 next evening. 



Polytechnic Association of the American Institute, ) 



October 20th, 1859. ( 



S. D. Tillman, Esq., Chairman, pro tem. 



The subject of the evening being " The Novelties of the Fair," exhibiters 

 were invited to come forward and describe in full their articles. 



Mr. Garvey Stated that he was much taken with Stelle's ?honophorus. 

 This instrument, as its name (derived from (l)0)V7), a sound, and 0epw, I 

 carry), signifies, is intended to convey the sound of a speaker from the ros- 

 trum or pulpit to any seats occupied by deaf persons, so that they may 

 enjoy the eloquence and instruction of the orator or preacher, as well aa 

 those not afiiicted with defective hearing. It consists of three essential 



