188 TRANSACTIONS OF TPIE AMERICAN INSTITUTE. 



not boiling; strain through a cloth, and your ink is made. When cold, if 

 too dark or thick, reduce with water. 



Stone as a Mulch for Fruit Trees. 



The Chairman. — Have any of the members tried the effects of stone as a 

 mulch for fruit trees? I have tried it for some years with great success, 

 although the opinion of my neighbors was against its use. Stones also 

 placed around the stems of trees prevent them from being pi-ostrated by 

 the wind. They also keep down the weeds. 



Mr. Wm. S. Carpenter. — There is another object in using stone. By the 

 effects of the frost they give a great deal of fertilizing matter which 

 nourishes the roots. 



Dr. Trimble. — This has not been my experience in Newark. We had 

 very fine elm trees, but since we have paved the streets we find the trees 

 are dying. 



Mr. Solon Robinson. — I am under the impression that the gas pipes have 

 done more mischief than the paving. The gas escapes from the pipes and 

 poisons the adjacent soil to a great distance from the mains. 



Report on Cummins & Post's Improved Method of Operating 

 Shakers of Threshing Machines. 



The special committee appointed by the American Institute Farmers' 

 Club, October 28, 1862, for the purpose of examining "improved method of 

 operating shakers of threshing machines," as shown in a model exhibited 

 by E. J. Post, Vienna, N. Y., report: 



Having carefully examined the machine, we are fully satisfied that by 

 operating the shaker by a direct connection with the main shaft of the 

 motive power, independent of the threshing cylinder belt, and detaching 

 the shaker from all working connection with the threshing cylinder frame, 

 Messrs. Cummins & Post have made very great improvements. 



1st. In economy of power by working the machine at a less elevation of 

 the tread power, thereby greatly relieving the horses. 



2d. In relief from jar, vibration and extra wear of the machine. 



3d. In a more perfect separation of the grain from the straw by an equal 

 and steadier operation of the shaker. 



Respectfully submitted. 



ADRIAN BERGEN, 



JOHN P. VEEDER, 



J. A. NASH, 



Committee. 

 New York, October 28, 1862. 



On motion, the report was adopted. 



The Secretary read the following facts collected from the eighth census 

 of the United States, 1860: 



The value of flour and meal made in the United States in 1860, was 

 $223,144,369. 



The largest mill is in Oswego, N. Y., which in 1860 produced 300,000 

 barrels of flour; the next two are in Richmond, Va., making 190,000 and 



