100 
Report on the Trials of Sheaf-Binders 
ment of the grain as it fell from the elevator and before the 
binder-arm descended, thus materially aiding the regularity of 
placement, notwithstanding which there was quite sufficient 
litter or scatter to necessitate the use bf a horse-rake in order to 
make a clear finish. Occasionally, the end of the binder-arm 
caught in the sheaf just made, when assistance was required to 
liberate it. The green and somewhat damp condition of the 
straw accounted for this ; with ripe dry corn, the sheaf is un- 
failingly discharged, not only clear of the machinery, but is 
thrown off some feet, receiving a kick from the back of the 
arm and additional motion from two springs. The effect of 
this somewhat violent action on ripe corn is a point we had no 
opportunity of testing, but there can be no doubt that some loss 
from shedding must occur. The twister pinion and cutting 
gear, being contained in the head of the needle, is liable to 
become choked by portions of grass, &c., and therefore one 
attendant would be required to follow and wait upon the 
machine ; this, again, would be less apparent in a ripe dry crop. 
The driver's attention being divided between the travel of the 
horses and the delivery of the grain to the binder, he has very 
little power over the former. The sheaves varied somewhat in 
size, being made according to the discretion of the driver. The 
binding was excellent, the twist being well secured, and the 
tension sufficient. Improvements as regards the dimensions of 
the table and form of divider-board made the cutting and 
reeling very superior to last year's work ; and the adjustability 
of the reel and the position of the binding mechanism are also 
noticeable improvements. 
McCormick's machine made a start on Plot 3 at 12 h. 47 min., 
and finished the half-acre at 1 h. 10 min. 45 sec, total time 
23 min. 45 sec. No stoppage of any kind occurred, and the gentle, 
steady action of the binding mechanism — which carries the last- 
made sheaf at the edge of the platform, until the next gently 
displaces it, when it drops to the ground, always maintaining a 
parallel position — was generally admired bv the spectators. The 
sheaves were not so tightly bound as bv Wood's, and it will 
be seen that the breaking-strain, especially on the side of the 
twists, was not so great. Referring to Mr. Hannam's Report, 
the reader will be struck with the extraordinary advance that 
has been made in this machine, due to causes already described ; 
then the great draught was most evident. This is the descrip- 
tion : — "The noticeable features in this machine were the 
strength and the weight of the implement, the great number of 
shafts, pinions, and wheels, indicating a heavy draught, and the 
tact with which the clever conductor had striven to reduce this 
objection In practice by providing a yoke of team-horses of the 
