and Miscellaneous Implements at Bristol. 
91 
suspending the revolution, for as long as be likes, of the binding-arm. On the 
forward end of this shaft, which is near the ground, is a pinion which 
engages a spur-wheel on a third longitudinal shaft. On the forward face of this 
spur-wheel is a crank-pin actuating two connecting-rods ; one of these works 
inwards to a swinging-lever, from the lower joint of which a return-rod rocks 
the binder mechanism across the machine towards and from the inflowing 
grain pivoting on the shaft. The second connecting-rod is jointed to the 
binder-arm, and gives the necessary up and down motion. From the joint of 
the binder-ann a spiral spring actuates a forked compressor which follows the 
motion of the binder-arm. Behind the spur-wheel on the third shaft is a 
mutilated bevel-wheel, one-third of its circumference being toothed and the rest 
a plain cone. This engages into a pinion on a short upright shaft ; the lower 
part of the pinion has a flat stop, which bears against the cone and prevents its 
turning whilst the gear is disengaged. The upper end of the upright shaft 
carries a crank, the horizontal connecting-rod from which passes to the rear of 
the binder- platform and operates the knotting and string-cutting mechanism 
by a reciprocating horizontal motion. The reel of string is placed at the heel 
of the binder-arm, and the string is carried round a pulley or swinging-jaw for 
taking up the slack and guiding the string-arm over a fixed pulley on the top 
of the binder-arm, and through another pulley in the eye of the needle, which 
is a brass trough-shaped casting. It now remains to describe the really 
extraordinary movements by which the very diflScult operation of tying the 
knot is effected. I confess that this is quite beyond my powers, and I 
can only give the result. It is not even true to say that it must be seen 
to be understood, for my indefatigable colleague Mr. Anderson, to whose 
admirably lucid descriptions I am indebted for so much of this report, had to 
place himself in various uncomfortable positions before his experienced eye 
could detect the why and wherefore. Briefly, however, this is the result. 
One end of the string is held by a spring clamp or jaw, the other end is 
brought down by the arm, having the sheaf between them ; then the two 
strings pass through a pair of tongs, which do not travel, but make a single 
revolution, and they are closed by the forward motion of the box. The tongs 
seize both strings, and so form the loop round themselves by a turning motion ; 
then through the hollow centre of one tong a hook protrudes which catches 
the cross portion of the loop and draws it through, making the knot complete. 
The cutting is done at the same time, and the operation is finished. The 
cutting is by a pair of shears immediately under the tongs. The binder- 
platform can be varied in position about 15 inches, being actuated through a 
simple rack and pinion by means of a hand-wheel within the driver's reach. 
There is necessarily a gap between the binding mechanism and the binding- 
platform to allow of the binder-arm operating, and this is filled up by sacking, 
attached at the rear-end to the binding mechanism, and at the front-end to a 
roller actuated by a spring, which keeps it tight, according as the size of the 
opening varies with the movement of the binder-arm. The binder-attachment 
is all canied on a single bed-plate, pivoted to one stud-bolt. The reel, wliich 
is overhung, comprises a wooden shaft, kept level by bearings, and controlled 
as t» its position, which admits of considerable variation, to suit difference of 
crop by lazy-tong-arms. The reel can be raised or pushed backwards or 
forwards by the driver without leaving his seat. 
Hetherington and Co., of Manchester, appeared for the first time 
with a string-twisting machine, of which the main features are 
based upon King's invention ; indeed, I believe this firm manu- 
factures under a royalty from him. I am indebted for the following 
excellent description to Mr. Anderson, who devoted much time 
