274 Tke Agricultural Features of the Paris Exhibition. 
want of coal. In Russia they are chiefly employed at threshing, 
straw being used as fuel, while in Egypt, where the refuse cotton 
stalks compose the fuel, they are used mainly in irrigation 
works. Apparatuses for accomplishing a similar object have 
been patented by iSIessrs. Garrett and Sons ; jNIessrs. Ruston, 
Proctor and Co., and by Messrs. Clayton and Shuttleworth : and 
these firms claim that their inventions are quite as efficacious as 
that of Head and Schemioth, which has been licensed to other 
firms besides jNIessrs. Ransomes, Sims and Head. The patent 
of Messrs. Garrett and Sons introduces no complication on the 
engine with the exception of the hopper before the straw burn- 
ing grate. The straw is introduced by means of a fork in light 
parcels or wisps, where it is thoroughly dried before ignition ; 
and each wisp is pushed forward by its successor into the fire- 
grate, where combustion instantaneously takes place. Messrs. 
Ruston, Proctor and Co. have introduced patent expansion stays 
on their engines, and have fitted them up with variable expan- 
sion gear, while jNIessrs. Robey and Co.'s fixed engine shows 
some important novel features. The boiler is connected with the 
engine by being bolted to the cylinder-end only, and carried by 
rollers, working in grooves, at the fire-box end, — an arrange- 
ment which relieves the boiler of all strain. The engine lies 
under the boiler, and is thus kept in a rigid position. The work- 
manship displayed by many of the English engines was not 
excelled, if indeed equalled, by anything in the Exhibition. 
The only Scotch firm represented in the implement depart- 
ment was that of Messrs. Reid and Co., of Aberdeen, whose 
crowded little stand had many visitors. Their patent "Disc" 
drill and broad-cast sowers, well known and extensively used 
in various parts of the country, added to their fame by their 
appearance at Paris ; which may also be said of the tidy, com- 
pact, and efficient hand and foot threshing machines made by 
this firm, only the latter machine is newer than the former. 
Machinery from Other Countries. 
United States. — From the United States there was a sihall but 
very select collection ; binders, harvesters, reapers, and mowers 
forming its leading feature. The American reapers and mowers 
have earned a higher reputation in France than those of English 
make, chiefly on account of their lighter build ; and we believe 
an extensive sale was obtained for the better class of these 
machines. Messrs. J. H. McCormick and Co.'s wire sheaf- 
binder, which has this season acquired so much fame, drew 
many visitors to the American annexe and elicited universal 
admiration. A well-known authority says that it has been so 
