Steam Poioer and Thrashing Machines. 
167 
the fixed onjjinc about 1*'. 9J. per quarter, being- a saving of 
31/. 5.S-. on 500 quarters. In this account, be it remarked, the 
increased labour of cleanino^ up the stackyard, which is now 
saved, is not taken into account. An additional advantage is 
that the straw, chaff, and cavings are kept dry and convenient 
for use, and tliough no exact price can be put upon these, I cer- 
tainly do attach a considerable value to them. My horses have 
no hay during some months of winter, and eat up chaff, &c., very 
readily when given fresh. It is certainly anything but economical 
either of labour or material to waste chaff, and then cut straw to 
supply its place. The great bulk of practical farmers admit that 
the chaff of any kind of corn is more nutritious than the straw. 
Chemical analysis testifies to the same : then why waste chaff as 
of no use, when ready to hand without cutting 2 and why waste 
cavings, which are the most palatable and nutritious of fodder ? 
The fact is that where there is a fixed machine a few hands 
can frequently be spared without inconvenience from other labour 
for thrashing, and sometimes a wet day may be turned to account 
when nothing else could be done. Two hands with an odd horse 
may often be spared to take in the matter of 12 or 20 loads of 
sheaves in a day, w hich can afterwards be thrashed on any morning 
or afternoon. When a fixed machine is used, the time of many 
hands cannot be wasted, as is frequently the case when the loco- 
motive is changed from stack to stack. I like to have long stacks 
made in short joints for the convenience of taking in one or two 
parts, as it may happen, in a day. About 15 or 20 cart-loads 
in a round stack make it a convenient stint for short winter days. 
My machine thrashes far more than 25 quarters a-day, when 
worked all day ; but not wishing to over-estimate, I have taken 
this as an average quantity. In thrashing oats, half a day's work 
often suffices to nearly fill the barn with straw. The expense of 
raising the steam — about Is. — is of no account compared with 
the importance of getting the thrashing done when hands are 
convenient and straw required. I only pay the engineer extra 
wages when he drives the engine : 6c?. a-day extra is all the 
allowance, which amounts to very little in the course of the year ; 
but still it seems to be a sufficient inducement to keep the engine 
clean and in good order, and to remain half an hour or so after 
the other workmen leave. Many people pay an engineer higher 
wages per week throughout the year. This is doubtful policy, 
and is certainly not economical where only a few weeks' work are 
required in the year. 
By reference to the accompanying sketch, it will be seen that 
my buildings are well placed with reference to the yards and 
stacks. When once the straw is in the barn, it is easily moved 
to the various places where required. My engine and machine 
of 6 horse-power cost less than 200/. when everything was included. 
