at the Derhy Meeting, 1843. 
493 
into a waggon, so that the purchaser of the former may have a 
wagn-on at his disposal, as his preference may dictate. The com- 
bination or separation of these carts is accomplished very quickly, 
and by simple means ; and it was considered that the inventor 
well merited the encouragement of 5/. awarded to him. It re- 
quires some experience to ascertain whether the carts so joined 
have the requisite strength in the centre, when loaded as a waggon ; 
and also whether the place of junction be sufficiently strong to 
resist the lateral strain thrown on that part when the fore-wheels 
turn, and the hind-wheels are fixed. Having, however, overcome 
so much, Mr. Coombes may see his way in remedying any defects 
which time may render apparent. 
A premium of 10/. was adjudged to Mr. A. White, of Old 
Sleaford, Lincolnshire, for his spring carriage for the carrying of 
linseed-cake, delivering corn, and other uses. This vehicle was 
furnished with a pole and driving seat; it had a well-closed 
cover removable at will ; and side-rails for converting it into a 
harvest- waggon. Its usefulness would also be found for numerous 
other purposes in a farmer's establishment. 
A gig-cart, exhibited by the Rev. Thomas Sewell, of Nether 
Broughton, near Melton-Mowbray, and built by Mr. Thomas 
Dutt, of Bungay, Suffolk, is entitled to high commendation as 
uniting peculiar comfort and accommodation, whether for family 
use, or the transport of luggage, &c. It was designed and finished 
in a superior style, and its price under duty. 
It is a pleasing task to have to record such rapid improvement 
in the construction of implements so indispensable to the agricul- 
turist as those of which the horse will probably ever continue to 
be the prime mover. The economy of his force is so much dimi- 
nished expense to his employer. It was noticed in the report of 
last year's exhibition that " the show-yard did not furnish a single 
specimen of a waggon or cart on springs." On this occasion no 
less than 15 out of 38 of the vehicles exhibited were furnished 
with them, proving that the Society has only to indicate a want, 
and that machine-makers are able and ready to supply it. 
Carriage Drags or Breaks. — The silver medal was given to 
Mr. Charles Thatcher, of Midsomer Norton, near Bath, for his 
patent self-regulating self-acting breaks, applicable to carts, wag- 
gons, and vehicles of all descriptions. This invention was re- 
warded at the Bristol Meeting, and described in that report, since 
which time it has been materially improved by doubling the force 
of the horse's pressure on the wheel-nave, and therefore increasing 
his confidence in descending hills. The Judges took the oppor- 
tunity of testing its powers, and the sagacity of the horse in trust- 
ing to them, by causing a cart furnished with these breaks, and 
heavily laden with implements, returning from Rough Heanor to 
