530 Miscellaneous Implements Exhibited oi Boncaster. 
blowing fen-lands. As it was, the work was done very satis- 
factorily, the sheafing and delivery being good, and the draught 
extremely light. 
The machine was then taken into a very heavy crop of barley, 
than which it would be almost impossible to find a more difficult 
piece of work. In many places, large patches had been laid for 
weeks, and were rotting, while a young crop had grown through 
from the roots. The ground was quite as loose as that on which 
the wheat was growing, and there had been a sharp shower a 
few hours previously, which made the straw tough, and hindered 
separation, rendering it liable, moreover, to be pulled up by the 
roots if there was the slightest block in the knives. A larger 
divider was used for the heavy and fallen crops of barley and rye 
than for wheat. Notwithstanding the difficulties which presented 
themselves, the woi-k was well done. The sheaf was neatly 
gathered, and presented a uniform appearance all round, very 
few ears being doubled back. As far as could be seen, no corn 
was threshed out as it was being gathered or delivered. 
The machine was next tried in a veiy heavy crop of rye, 
6 feet in height, but leaning somewhat in one direction. The 
crop was very ripe, and had become so interwoven on account of 
many of the heads having doubled over that perfect separation 
appeai'ed almost impossible ; however, the work was well done 
on three sides, but on the fourth side the separation was not 
perfect — two, three, and occasionally more sheaves being linked 
together. The sheaves were practically distinct, and each was 
securely tied, but a few of the ears intertwined so that they 
were not delivered separately, although tlie cleverly constructed 
delivery fork proved itself to be a very capable instrument. 
The work, viewed as a whole, was efficiently done, and clearly 
proved that the upright aprons are not a necessity, and that 
many intricate parts might be dispensed with without impairing 
the efficiency of the machine. The lightness of draught was 
veiy apparent, two horses working the machine with no signs of 
distress. The driving power appeared somewhat deficient, 
though this was partly due to the extreme looseness of the soil, 
but doubtless it would be advisable to secure more power for 
the heaviest English crops. The weiglit of the machine is 
about 11 cwt. 
The machine gains so much on the points of simplicity and 
lightness of draught, that tlie Judges had no hesitation in re- 
commending the award of a Silver Medal. 
This completes the record of the awards of Silver Medals in 
connection with the Doncaster Meeting. 
