PROCEEDINGS OF THE POLYTECHNIC ASSOCIATION. 543 



Mr. Tousley presented one of VogePs patented button hole 

 sewing machines, and said : 



We claim for this as great a gain as has ever been attained by 

 the sewing machine. We make by it six different stitches, and 

 it is so simple in its mode of operation that it can be worked by 

 a mere novice. One of these machines will make one hundred 

 button holes an hour. We can carry one, two, three, four, or 

 five threads, and can bring the cord above or below the button 

 hole. We can Avork any class of goods from the finest fabrics to 

 harness work. The machine makes two different button holes. 

 One of them on being presented to a tailor for inspection would 

 be called by him a French button hole, made by hand. By the 

 use of another stitch we can make a button hole finished on 

 both sides. 



The Chairman. — Have you considered the subject of making 

 the stitching extra strong at the place of fastening ? 



Mr. Holcomb. — Yes, sir, we have. 



The Chairman. — How many of these machines have you in 

 use ? 



Mr. Holcomb. — About 200. They have not been introduced 

 into tailor's shops as yet. We can make six different embroidery 

 stitches by this machine. By the ibot I can run it for a single 

 stitch and then stop. We do not use any feed in the market, but 

 have our own patented feed. This machine in working covers 

 the edge of the goods, but in others the stitch is carried cross- 

 ways, back and forth. It can make a stitch resembling the 

 Grover & Baker stitch, and also the shuttle stitch. These 

 machines are made of the best steel, and I think one of them 

 will last twenty years in constant use. They cost $100 each. 

 There is no other machine in existence that will make button 

 holes rapidly. 



Mr. Bull. — Is there any difference between your button hole 

 stitch and the one made by hand ? 



Mr. Holcomb. — There is, and I think the one made by this 

 machine is the more elastic. The one made by hand is rigid and 

 hard, and easily worn out by the button. If it is elastic it ia 

 not worn out so easily. It is as strong«and elastic as the Grover 

 k Baker stitch. The motion of this machine is different from 

 that of other machines. We can operate it by the foot, and also 

 bv the crank. 



