80 Report on Sheaf-Binding Machineri/ at Shrewsbury. 
each distinguished themselves by making good work in every 
plot on which they were engaged. In the barley trials their 
superiority became even more apparent. As the trials became 
more exhaustive, the ability of these two machines to grapple 
with increasing difficulties became more marked. 
After some deliberation the Judges concluded to send the two 
rival machines — which from their previous training had now 
developed their best form — into the plot near the wood at the 
west corner of the field, which has been already referred to as 
being too rough to attack. This was indeed a crucial test, but 
its application confirmed the opinion which the Judges had by 
this time formed of the splendid capabilities which these two 
machines possessed for executing the work for which they 
were designed. All their appointments were as perfect as the 
combined ingenuity of the large body of retainers present 
belonging to the respective firms could devise. It was a fine 
sight ! The head of each firm, like a commanding officer with 
his troops on parade, was mounted on his favourite charger. 
Hornsbj's pair of black horses, with Trollie's well-known form 
on the box, were simply immense. Howard's high-stepping 
mares, though not quite so heavy, fully made up for this by 
their extra activity. They all stood ready for the fray to begin, 
surrounded by a large body of eager spectators. This portion 
of the field was only partially opened out. It fell to Mr. 
Howard's lot to go first ; and the machine, rising to the occa- 
sion, " opened out " her own track with apparently much less 
waste than when this is done by the scythe. In the two rounds 
made by this machine no hitch occurred, except a stop which 
was caused by the cutting up of a hedgehog, but with this the 
machine could not be charged. Every sheaf was tied, and, though 
some severe critics might have found a handful of the battered 
grain passed over uncut, the general work was excellent. 
Hornsbj's machine, No. 4568, went round first as a pre- 
liminary, then made the two trial rounds without a single 
hitch, making splendid work throughout. 
The work done by the two machines on this patch could not 
fail to excite the admiration of every one who saw it. On one 
portion the grain was laid nearly straight away from the cut of the 
machines, but these same machines managed to shave nearly the 
whole ol this off by the earth, sweep it on to the platform, and 
finally turn it off in well-bound sheaves. With this crowning 
triumph these most exhaustive trials were fittingly concluded. 
Tlie Judges retired to the Stewards' tent, and the following 
unanimous award was at once posted : — 
"The first prize of 100/. to Richard Hornsby and Sons, 
Limited, of the Spittlegate Iron-works, Grantham, for their 
Sheaf-hinding Reaper, No. 4568. 
