34 Report on the Agricultural Implements at 
I have next to notice the " Peerless" Mower, shown by C. Eussell and Co., 
of Canton, Ohio, which did superior work and consumed a reasonable amount 
of power. This is a well-made, compact machine. The travelling-wheels 
«ire free from gearing, the main axle being made to revolve by ratchets and 
pawls at the hubs, so that both wheels are drivers. The gearing is simple, 
comprising a set of spur and bevel wheels. The spnr-pinion is attached to a 
counter shaft supported by boxes bolted to the main frame, an arrangement 
which secures solidity and tends to prevent the cogs being thrown off their 
pitch-line. The bevel-gear is also attached to the frame. This is a strong 
and simple arrangement. The frame is of cast iron, strong and rigid. The 
jernal-boxes are lined with anti-friction metal, and so made that wear can be 
taken up. The knife-bar is attached by a pivoted connection, allowing of free- 
dom, behind the travelling-wheels ; a tilting lever and link to the front of the 
drag-bar gives facilities for the necessary adjustments. Adjustable shoes at 
each end of the bar regulate the cut. The guards are of malleable iron, steel- 
plated. The connections of the knife and pitman are both of steel. At the 
opposite end of the pitman-rod is a spherical box fitted to a tempered steel 
pin in the crank-wheel. The seat can be shifted backwards or forwards, 
according to the weight of the driver. The cap or cover to the gearing can 
be easily raised, giving access to the parts for oiling, &c. I have said that 
this machine is a rear-cut, in common with many of those exhibited. There 
are arguments for and against this arrangement. No doubt the most perfect 
form is when the knife is in a line with the main axle ; but this is impractic- 
able on account of the pitman-rod, except when a short rod is used. The 
chief argument for a rear over a front cut is that it is safer both for man and 
horses. The driver may, in case of obstructions, have an opportunity of seeing 
them in time to stop the machine. Should he be thrown, it is possible that 
he might be able to get clear of the knife, — at any rate, he has more oppor- 
tunity of doing so ; but principally is the rear-cut safer for the horses, both in 
working and travelling. A rear-cut machine can be more conveniently 
handled at the corners of the crop, less backing being necessary. 
As a light-running, well-contrived machine, I notice the Hubbard Meadow 
Lark, which, in general construction, is not unlike the Peerless. It is a rear- 
cut machine, with the gearing on the main axle well boxed off. The attach- 
ment of the bar and the leverage for raising the same or altering the pitch 
of the teeth are convenient. It will be seen by reference to the Table that 
this mower was only exceeded by two machines as regards draft ; but it is 
right to state that the test was applied to this and the machine of Aultman, 
Miller, and Co., on different ground and at a different time ; hence the con- 
ditions were not identical, and therefore the results are hardly comparable. 
I believe the machine to be a light runner, and a really well-made, serviceable 
implement. 
The Harrison Manufactory Co., Lansing, Michigan, exhibited their patent 
elastic-rubber buffers, which, placed on each side of the pitman-wrist, where it 
is connected with the knife-bar, prevents friction and undue wear. The knife- 
head is made of malleable iron, and consists of a cylinder 3 inches long and 
1^-inch inside diameter; the heads of this cylinder are set in with a strong 
screw-thread, and are three-eighths of an inch in thickness ; an oblong opening 
in the side of the cylinder permits the introduction of the pitman-wrist. Around 
this pitman-wrist, when inserted, are two brass bearings ; between the bear- 
ings and the screw-heads are rubber buffers, seven-eighths of an inch in thick- 
ness, and filling the cylinder. 
The object of the rubber buffers is to prevent the shock which the knife 
receives by striking on dead or unelastic metal. They also act and re-act on 
each other, and thus give force to the knife. Another point of merit is that 
no oil is required and that noise is avoided. 
