680 



Tests of Dkainage ^Machinery. 



[Xov., 



should provide information of considerable importance. During 

 the progress of the Conference the Annual Show of the National 

 Potato Society will be held in the Eoval Horticultural Society's 

 Hall, and visitors will have an opportunity of examining the 

 great majority of British varieties of potatoes. A scientific 

 exhibit is also being prepared showing the recent results of 

 research into potato diseases and potato breeding. 



****** 



The ^Ministry has arranged a public demonstration of drain- 

 age machinery to take place at Harmston, near Lincoln, on 



Tests of Drainage ''''^ ^^^^ November. The demonstra- 

 T.fl-««"ui«««« tion will form the conclusion of a series of 

 Machinery. , • . 



tests ot drainage machmery oi many types 



which has been proceeding for a considerable time. Machinery 

 will be at work for making field drains. elearin<]j farm 

 ditches, and clearing and grading subsidiary water-courses. 

 The tests do not, however, extend to floating machinery used 

 on main vrater-courses. Among the more novel devices shown 

 will be the Xordby Ditch Digger, which has been specially 

 imported from Xorway: the Priestman Grab Ditcher specially 

 designed, in consultation with the IMiDistry, to operate on nar- 

 rcv\' and soft banks : a large grab-hne machine designed by Messrs. 

 Euston and Hornsby; force and Uft pumps supplied by Messrs. 

 Gwynnes; a mole plough designed for direct traction by Mr. 

 F. B. Wells, of Welwvn : and two types of Eevolt excavators. 

 It is expected that other machines, including the Buckeye 

 Tractor Ditcher.* the Fowler Scoop, and a mole plough of 

 the usual design, will also be on the ground, and will afford 

 an opportunity for comparison between established and newer 

 methods. A number of tractors will be employed, including 

 a Clayton and a Saunderson, with specially designed attach- 

 ments for operating the Priestman machine, and it is hoped 

 that an internal combustion cable set will also be at work. 



A comprehensive report, including complete records of the 

 performances of each machine, with special reference to cost, 

 will be published in due course. 



Harmston is within easy rea^'h by rail of Lincoln and 

 Grantham, and the trial gTound at Aubourn Fen is a mile from 

 Harmston Station. 



* See this Journal. July. 1921. p. 30G. 



