288 
Report on the Exhibition and Trials 
on to a hinged platform, actuated by a small crank and connec- 
ting-rod worked by a pin on the face of the pinion fixed on 
the loose sleeve. The mechanism is very simple and ingenious ; 
but for some reason, possibly defective action of the gripper, 
whilst the corn was fairly elevated, very few of the sheaves were 
actually tied, and after many attempts the exhibitors withdrew. 
Fig. 23. 
It is much to be desired, both in the interests of the public and 
as a reward for the skill and enterprise displayed in this inven- 
tion, that a harvest's experience may have afforded opportunities 
for correcting defects, and this highly ingenious machine, which 
is priced at 30Z., may yet prove a success. The excellent 
illustrations of this machine were reduced from working draw- 
ings lent by the exhibitors. 
The Johnston Harvester Company exhibited at Derby article 
No. 4181, an Independent Gleaner and Binder, constructed to 
deal either with corn laid in swathe or bundles. It was hoped that 
this machine, which appears to possess many points of merit, 
would have been sent for trial ; but it did not appear, owing, 
it was said, to an accident on the railway, which could not be 
repaired in time. This is another illustration of the want of 
forethought in not providing duplicate parts. Possibly, however, 
there were other and more cogent reasons why the American 
Gleaner was not forthcoming. Experience in the interval may 
have shown defects that required amendment. The frame is 
7 feet 8 inches wide by 6 feet 3 inches deep. It is worked by 
one horse in shafts fixed on one side of the machine and in front 
of the driving-wheel, the driver's seat being on the back end of the 
frame, with a lever handle to raise or lower the platform, which 
is nearly vertical, and consists of a fixed sheet-iron apron with 
five chain-reels armed with lifting spikes, and driven by gearing 
direct from the main axle by an upright shaft through two pairs 
