192 
Application of Steam Pov:er 
downward cut there must ever be constant compression of the soil, which is 
manifestly a waste of power, and injurious to the land. Again, in case of 
roots or large stones, when cutting upwards, thej- are lifted out ^nth the super- 
incumbent earth ; but if downwards, something must break, or the machine 
be lifted out." 
Mr. Rickett's reasoning on behalf of his very ingenious culti- 
vator certainly holds good with respect to circles of such small 
diameters as are described bv his cutters : but taking a diameter of 
6 or more feet, which I hope to show the merit of at some future 
time, it will be seen that as the cutters enter the ground in a 
slanting direction, nearer to the horizontal than to the vertical, 
the objections as to compression, more difficult cleavage, and 
obstruction of stones, assume a very different aspect. And it 
will also be found that rotation against the onward movement 
of the machine involves a great waste of power, while revo- 
lution in the same direction as that of the travelling-wheels 
tends to propel the engine, and thus economises motive-force. 
Respecting the importance of adapting a steam-cultivator to our 
present agricultural engines, which I am of opinion is a mo- 
mentous matter in securing the commercial success of such an 
invention, Mr. Rickett says : — 
" I cannot admit the policy of considering existing implements or engines 
in the application of steam-power to the culture of the soil. The subject is of 
so much importance, that I think the best application and most economical in 
working should be studied, regardless of anything else ; besides which, there 
will surely be as much work for the stock of portable engines to do as there 
ever has been. I hope to have a share of public patronage when my machine 
is practically perfect, but have no anticipation of any one system becoming 
universal. I love simplicity and direct action, abhorring wire-roi»e and other 
cumbrous tackle." 
I have alluded to the impracticability of working a locomotive 
engine up and down fields where the surface presents abrupt 
inclines. In such cases — thouu:li less extensive and important 
than those of lands lying level enough for the purpose — either 
wire-rope traction must be resorted to, or, if found to answer, a 
travelling machine working a rotary digger may be actuated by 
an endless rope from a stationary engine. Mr. Atkins, of Chep- 
stow, attempted this first in the year 1843, and, after more than 
two years' efforts, he succeeded in bringing out a model, worked 
under a patent taken out by 3Ir. J. A. Atzlar, of America, which 
model was exhibited at the Shrewsbury Meeting in 1845, though 
not in the showvard. A full-sized machine Mas constructed, and 
put in operation at Blacktliorn, near Bicester, in Oxfordshire. 
In August, 1853, and again in February, 1854, this invention 
received provisional prote( tion under the patent law. An end- 
less rope is passed round a grooved wheel in connexion with 
the prime mover, or steam-engine, and, at the requisite distance, 
