Report on the Trials of Implements at Taunton. 
639 
machine was found to show no evidence of strain or breakage. But we think, 
in the present t'orm of mowers, there is a minimum in this point of lightness 
which should not be exceeded. And we venture to express our opinion that, 
while some machines are made of unnecessary weight, others are much too 
light for the general requirements of fanners in this country. With regard to 
" stoppages " during trial : — There were some impediments which were, in 
some degree, fatal to all ; such as " nests," ant-hills, and stones. But in some 
machines clogging resulted from a collection of chafed grass in the fingers. 
In others stoppage was caused by cut grass getting into the gearing, or 
entangled in the crank. This resulted from these parts occupying a position 
which favoured the collection of the cut grass, or from want of proper shield- 
ing. In one case, a quantity of cut grass was found crammed beneath the 
conn«cting-rod and the frame, and the macliine was brought to a stand. This 
probably resulted from want of space, and the lowness of a long connecting- 
rod. 
With regard to the working of the two-horse mowers we noticed, while 
watching the trials of some of the less perfect machines, a general unsteadiness 
and vibration in all parts ; in others, an apparent heaviness of draught, great 
tremor of traces, frame, and pole, and evident discomfort of the horses draw- 
ing ; and our opinion as to the draught of these was fully confirmed by the 
dynamometer tests. 
During the trials of the best machines, on the other hand, we were im- 
pressed with the general appearance and perfect balance of all their parts, the 
steadiness and evenness with which they worked, the ease with which the 
horses walked in the cleared tracks, and the perfection of the work done. 
And this superiority of work was more particularly marked when the cutting 
was done in the same direction in which the grass was laid. 
The concluding run was remarkable for the masterly style with which the 
whole of the ten selected machines went through their work, and the general 
perfection of work done in a slightly laid crop of grass. We think it is due to 
the Exhibitors to mention particularly the sjjlenild close and even cutting in 
this trial of Walter A. Wood, Harrison and M'Gregor, and Hornsby and Sons ; 
and the swathing of Walter A. Wood, Hornsby, and Samuelson, which was 
simply perfection. 
One-horse Mowers. 
An effort has evidently been made by the makers to produce a one-horse 
mower, and this class shows a marked improvement since Manchester. Many 
are certainly of lighter draught than those exhibited in 1869. 
We would take this opportunity to thank the Stewards for the valuable 
personal aid they rendered us ; without which, and the facilities they gave us 
in every way, these trials must necessarily have lasted several days longer. 
James W. Kimber. 
H. V. Grantham. 
John Hicken. 
The following awards were given in by 2 P.M. on Monday^ 
12th:— 
First Prize of SOL, to Messrs. Hornsby and Sons (580), of Grantham. 
Second Prize of 201., to Messrs. Hornsby and Sons (582), of Grantham. 
Third Prize of lOl, to Messrs. Hornsby and Sons (581), of Grantham. 
Highly Commended, Messrs. Hornsby and Sons (583), of Grantliam. 
Highly Commended, Messrs. Samuelson and Co. (181), of Banbury. 
Highly Commended, Messrs. Samuelson and Co. (183), of Banbury. 
