[iteport on the Trials of Potato-^'aising Machines. 221 
was the lightest of all. There is a veiy excellent arrange- 
ment for altering the depth of the share, independently of the 
revolving fork. The latter comprises 8 tines, but differs from 
the rest of the machines in having three prongs at the end 
of each tine, which may prevent the occasional bruising of the 
tubers, that must occur when, as occasionally happens, they 
become wedged between the prongs. There is, however, one 
defect in this machine, which might be easily remedied. The 
pauls on the wheels are not guarded, and would be likely to 
get clogged in moist soil. The peculiarity of this machine is 
that the " spuds " or projections on the rims of the wheels are 
cast with the wheels and extend right across their surface, a fact 
that no doubt facilitates operations in the field, but would 
render the machine incapable of being travelled on paved road- 
ways, and is hence a doubtful advantage. Considering that this 
arrancrement somewhat reduces the cost of manufacture, I am 
at a loss to understand why the price should be so high. 
No. 1667. J. D. Allan & Sons. This machine was com- 
mended, principally on account of good work and light draft, 
as there was nothing specially meritorious in its construction. 
The gearing was fairly strong and well inclosed, and price rea- 
sonable. One lever in front regulates depth and puts in and 
out of gear. There is no mechanical arrangement for raising the 
share independently of the fork. The potatoes were consider- 
ably bruised, probably owing to a rather rapid revolution of the 
fork-wheel. The clearance was exceedingly good, on two trials 
only two potatoes in each case were found undisturbed. 
Only one other machine requires brief notice, viz. No. 1540, 
shown by Messrs. Penney & Co., Lincoln. This, it will be seen 
by reference to the table at the end of the report, proved of ex- 
ceptionally heavy draught. The manufacturers explained that 
it was intended for the strong warp soils of Lincolnshire, 
where a hea\-y machine was indispensable. It is needless to 
say that from such a firm excellent workmanship was a certainty, 
and in this respect the machine left nothing to be desired. In 
one respect, viz. that of the share, it was different from the 
rest. Messrs. Penney stated that they had discarded the ordinary 
form of share, which they found cut the potatoes too much, 
and this was a gi-eat improvement. It consists practically of an 
upright ploughshare fixed on the left side of the implement, 
with a cutting surface of 14 in. which is supposed to go under 
and thoroughly disturb the drill ; but we found, unless held very 
hard into the row, it was apt to miss a number of tubers on 
the extreme right, and at the first no fewer than 24 were 
left in 20 yards. We should certainly much prefer to have one 
occasionally cut, to such inefficient work as this. The rake 
