the Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition. 
85 
be made desirably light ; that it utilises poles and small timber, 
and also economises sawed lumber or split rails ; that in the con- 
struction it does not cut away the post or the rails as much as 
old methods, and that it leaves the fence stronger at that part 
instead of weaker ; and lastly, that any wind or force whatever, 
tending to disturb it in any direction, is by the " mechanical 
resolution of forces" transmitted to the tenons on the rails, and 
is by them resisted by their combined action and the full 
strength of the rail or pole, which is not the case in any ordi- 
nary fence. 
No. 2 is a combination-wire and rough-and-ready fence, and 
only differs from the first described in having the middle rails 
replaced by strained wire. Such a fence would be valuable 
when timber was scarce. The Fencing Machine weighs 1100 lbs., 
is driven by four horses, and costs 300 dollars, i.e., 551. Mr. 
Hall states that two men and a boy can prepare from 50 to 80 
rods a day, and that the saving of material pays for dressing. 
Such a machine would be invaluable for a contractor under- 
taking inclosure-work. 
A. Le Betts, of Troy, New York, exhibited a Wood and Wire Fencing 
Machine, of which I was unable to obtain an illustration. This ingenious 
piece of mechanism is for the preparation of light portable sheep-fencing. 
The wire is fed into the machine from spools ; a lad places the wooden uprights 
across and under the wires. The staples, which are hung upon inclined rods, 
come to their place over the wire, and are driven into the wood by hammers, 
regulated by cam-gearing. The distance between the wooden uprights can be 
either G or 12 inches, according to the use for which the fence is intended. 
The uprights are li by 1 inch, and 4 feet long. As fast as it is made, the 
fence is wound round a barrel for transportation. I was informed by the 
inventor, that two men and a boy could make 200 rods of fencing in a day. 
Ditching and Excavating Machines were shown of various forms. That 
which, as far as could be judged from observation, appeared the most ser- 
viceable, was the invention ofThedore F. Randolph of Morristown, New Jersey, 
sold by Randolph Brothers, New York. It comprises a beam supported on 
four wheels ; in the centre is the cutter wheel, so arranged as to take out a 
given depth at each revolution, bring the soil up with it, and distribute it on 
either side of the cutting. This is effected by means of an apron with two 
faces, which receives the soil from the channel on the circumference of the 
wheel, and throws it off on both sides, clear of the ditch or drain. The 
cutting-wheel is adjustable according to the depth of the cutting ; and the 
whole apparatus is drawn along by horses, either attached direct or working 
through a capstan. The implement is made of different sizes ; that exhibited 
in the Agricultural Hall was for 3 horses, calculated to dig drains 30 inches 
deep, and do the work of 20 men. 
Peter J. Strykers, of New Brunswick, exhibited Slusser's Self-loading 
Excavator. This is a very efficient machine. The excavator, which consists 
of a strong scoop, is situated between the front wheels, and can be raised or 
lowered as required, by a lever-handle from the driver's seat, which is fixed 
above the excavator. Behind the excavator is an elevator, connecting with 
the cart body, which is driven by chain-gearing from the hind wheels ; the 
