220 Report on the Trials of Potato-raising Machines. 
Both driviug-wlieels are adjustable on tlie axle to salt the width 
of ridges, and are self-cleaning. The gearing is simple, strong, 
and well protected, the speed is gained by spur and bevel wheels. 
The machine is fitted with a pole, which insures steadiness and 
does away with the necessity for a fore-wheel. It is also pro- 
vided with a seat for the driver, which is a distinct advantage, 
as, though the pace travelled is not fast, much unnecessary 
exertion is thus saved. Moreover, the driver has within easy reach 
the two levers which regulate the working parts of the machine. 
That on his left hand regulates the depth of the share, and 
allows of his lifting it clear of any obstruction, whilst a shorter 
handle on the right puts the machine in or out of gear. 
The workmanship throughout is excellent, and the price 
reasonable. The exhibitors stated that the speed was as 4 to 1. 
The diameter of the driving-wheels was 37 inches, that of the 
fork 44 inches. In the first trials as to cleanness of work a 
considerable number of tubers were left — viz., in a distance of 
20 yards, 7 in the first test and 18 in the second; but upon the 
share being lowered about half an inch, the work was much 
better, only two single potatoes being missed. To this machine 
the Judges awarded the prize in Class 6, and so entirely was 
the verdict of the public in accordance with the decision of the 
Judges that a number of orders were given prior to the award — 
one by Mr. Fairbairn, the tenant of the farm. 
No. 1670. 3Ir. E. Kijd's machine was granted the reserve 
number, not on account of excellence of manufacture, but for 
the presence of a fore-carriage carrying two small wheels. This 
gave great steadiness to the machine, as was proved by the 
dynamometer trial, which might have been even better but for 
the exhibitor's lowering the depth in the middle of the run, a 
very superfluous proceeding on his part. Kyd's is a very light 
machine, the gearing protected by a rough cover of sheet iron. 
There is only one bevel wheel and pinion. One lever sets in 
gear and regulates depth. The fork wheel is 39 inches in 
diameter, the driving-wheels nearly 4 feet, and the revolutions 
5^ to 1. The frame is of wrought iron as well as the fork- 
wheel. All this might be of malleable cast metal with great 
advantage to the machine, and allow of a considerable reduction 
of cost. The work was highly creditable, and, if turned out in 
a more mercantile form, the machine should be both cheap and 
useful for light soils, and especially for undulating ground. 
No. 1628. Moorhouse A. Thompson. This is an exceedingly 
well-made machine, well deserving its high commendation, and 
its work was excellent, whilst, as will be seen by reference to 
the table of draft, supplied by Mr. F. S. Courtney, of the firm 
of Easton & Anderson, the Society's consulting engii^eers, this 
