Miscellaneous Implements at Reading, 1882. 627 
I will commence with the Machinery in Motion. There were 
several Compound Engines exhibited , both portable and sta- 
tionary. Tlie Reading Iron Works exhibited a Compound High- 
and Low-pressure as well as Condensing Engine, which was 
turned out in a highly finished manner ; and our Consulting En- 
gineer, Mr. Anderson, seemed very pleased with the construction 
generally, believing that the arrangement would economise fuel. 
Amongst the other exhibits of Compound Engines we had the 
best opportunity of examining one of Messrs. Ruslon, Proctor^ 
and Co. Not that we would set this engine up as the best of its 
kind, for without a competitive trial it would be most unjust to 
other exhibitors, but perhaps the Society, recognising this 
new feature in engineering, may shortly arrange for a trial, so 
as to bring out authoritatively the merits of the compound class. 
This engine has a high-pressure cylinder, 7 in. in diameter, and 
a low-pressure cylinder of 11 in. diameter, both having 14-in. 
stroke, placed side by side. The high-pressure cylinder has a 
cut-off valve regulated by the governor, so that steam could be 
cut off at |ths of the stroke. The boiler is of steel, working at a 
pressure of 120 lbs. per square inch. This engine weighs 
113 cwt., while the ordinary twelve-horse-power double cylinder 
weighs 114. These figures are interesting, because they show 
that a compound portable engine can be made lighter than one 
of the ordinary type. The makers stated that, when tried on 
the break, the engine developed 30*26-horse-power ; consuming 
2"63 lbs. of Welsh coal per break horse-power per hour, and 
using only 20'4:6 lbs. of steam per break horse-power per hour. 
These results are wonderfully good. 
Mr. Geo. R. Mather, of Wellingboro', showed a novel 
three-horse-power Portable Engine ; the driving-wheels of which 
are also used for the carriage- wheels. When fixed for working, 
the shafts are tilted up, allowing the boiler to rest on its end, 
and the travelling-wheels are then keyed on to the crank- 
axle, the two wheels acting as fly-wheels. Mr. Mather has 
i utilised Joy's patent steam-valve, and also one of Mr. Rams- 
I bottom's patents, whereby he saves three glands, which is a 
I consideration. 
li The Society's Silver Medal was awarded to Messrs. Nalder 
. ) and Nalder, of Wantage, for their Single-crank Shaft Threshing- 
i j machine ; the shakers, shog-board, and large riddle being all 
1 I driven from one crank-axle, placed nearly centrally between the 
I I shakers. The ends of the shakers are attached direct to the shog- 
I I board and large riddle, at opposite ends, by flexible joints, made 
■ I with india-rubber, which appear of great service. This arrange- 
1' ment dispenses with the riddle crank-shaft, bearings, connecting- 
: jrods, pulleys, and belt, and very considerably simplifies the 
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