54 Report on the Agricultural Implements at 
but my readers will probably be sceptical as to the regularity of 
the crop, seeing that it must frequently happen that the slices 
will be cut off without any apparent eyes. This objection 
occurred during my examination, and was met by the statement, 
which at that time appeared incredible, that such slices would 
grow even without apparently any eyes at all. I have since ex- 
perimented by planting slices cut oft* from round potatoes at the 
end where they are attached to the rootlets, and where no indi- 
cation of an eye could be found, and although planted in July, 
and overshadowed by cabbage-plants, every one grew and small 
potatoes were formed. So far, then, the exhibitors' statement has 
been borne out. The question whether the produce is in- 
juriously affected by the set being so much reduced in size, 
is one that can only be determined by careful experiments; 
opinions are very conflicting on this point. In favour of the 
machine it may be stated that, first introduced seven years ago, 
the trade was limited to 50 machines, whereas in 1875, 220 were 
sold. The inventor states that depositing sets at 9 inches by 
30 inches, it was impossible to plant more than 13 bushels per 
acre, whereas according to our present practice, the same in- 
tervals would consume from 26 to 28 bushels, therefore the 
saving in seed would be most important, as well as the gain in 
time and cost of the operation. The distribution of the manure 
is effected by a plain revolving scraper, which brings the manure 
over a hole in the bottom of the hopper ; this can be regulated 
to drop either at the same spot as the potatoes or intermediate 
between the sets. One great objection to machines hitherto has 
been that the set has a tendency to roll in dropping from the 
hopper, and, consequently, irregularity of position ensues ; and 
this is especially the case where small ordinary whole seed is 
used. Now the wedge-shaped slices remain where they fall. A 
ratchet and spring on the wheels is provided to throw the 
depositor in and out of gear, and to stop the action whilst the 
machine is being turned at the land's end. 
Machinery for Preparing for Market. 
Threshers. — In this department, which was largely represented, 
the exhibition was principally American, the few Canadian 
machines shown being built upon American models. Russia 
was the only outsider that exhibited, showing a powerful but 
cumbrous-looking implement, which, in its main features, follows 
English designs. I must admit being disappointed with the 
results of the trials, having heard extraordinary accounts of the 
amount of work of which the American machines were capable ; 
it is quite true that several of the principal makers did not com- 
