Report on Sheaf-Binding Machinery/ at Shrewsbury. 77 
they used in their previous trial, and the second run with a new 
knife. As, however, the main object to be obtained was to 
cut as much weight of corn as possible, it happened that when 
the widths of cut were measured, it was found that generally 
a wider cut was taken in the second round, the extra weight of 
corn cut and raised on to the binding table neutralising the 
advantage of the sharper knife. 
The circumstances under which the three machines were tried 
on the first day varied somewhat from those on the second day, 
when it was found desirable to have an additional horse to the 
dynamometer, and a heavier spring was used. The conditions 
were somewhat more favourable on the second day. It would 
have been interesting to have repeated the first trials under 
exactly the same conditions as on the second day, but as the 
comparative test between these three machines first tried was 
complete, and that the decision of the awards rested between 
the machines in this group, it was not thought necessary to 
further prolong the trials. 
At this stage of the proceedings a question arose as to the 
expediency of extending the trial of those machines remaining 
in competition to a further test of cutting beans. In accordance 
with the original programme of arrangements bean-fields had 
been secured, but jNIr. Bo wen Jones reported that they were 
some miles distant, that the crops were not ripe, neither were 
they good. The following circular was therefore sent round 
to the exhibitors : — 
" The Stewards would be glad to know, before ordering the 
bean-fields to be opened, if those exhibitors whose machines 
may be selected for the final trial, would be content to dispense 
with the further test of cutting beans. 
"MORETON, \ o, J » 
J. N. Thoeold, \ S^'^^^ds. 
The exhibitors gave a unanimous assent to the proposal to 
dispense with the bean-fields. 
After inspecting the remaining fields on Montford Farm at 
our disposal, we selected another barley-field, as the only one 
presenting greater difficulties than the machines had hitherto 
met. Clover and grass-seeds were growing with the barley ; 
true, they were not strong, but about half of the field was very 
much lain and storm-broken, while a boggy piece was matted 
ivith a second growth, and had, besides, a number of mole-runs 
in it. The field was not opened out. Several scythes wore set 
to work to cut the avenues ; this was the worst lain part of it, 
