G18 Report on Miscellaneous Implement Aioards at Derby. 
by the feed-wheels and how much by the flanged hub. As it is 
possible to fill the whole space with the seed-wheel by moving 
the spindle very much to the right, in which case the maximum 
quantity is sown, so it is equally possible to close the openings 
altogether, and between these extremes minute gradations are 
possible. There is a small lever attached to the feed-shaft, held 
by a thumb -screw. When this is loosened, the lever can be 
actuated to alter the feed as described. 
There is a scale on the back of the hopper, with figures to 
indicate the quantity of each of the different kinds of grain to 
be sown per acre. Moving the lever alters the indicator (which 
is fastened to the feed-shaft) to any desired point, and the position 
can be secured by tightening the thumb-screw. The revolutions 
of the seed-shaft are registered through a simple arrangement 
of geared wheels, working an index on a disc. In this way the 
land actually drilled is measured, and is a useful check upon 
the industry of the operator ; one motion raises the coulters and 
throws the seed-shaft out of gear. In front of the seed-box is 
a small drill for sowing clover and grass seeds. The whole 
apparatus is strong and simple, and I am satisfied that the 
delivery will be found very much more accurate than with the 
old disc and seed-cup arrangement. 
Great interest was exhibited in Darby s Steam Digger, which 
was tried at Carlisle, and reported on by Mr. R. Neville, our 
Senior Steward this year. At Derby there was no opportunity for 
a trial ; and as the machine, though improved in detail, was in 
the main identical with the previous exhibit, no great advan- 
tage would have followed. As it was, it attracted an admiring 
crowd, whilst it kept revolving the digging tines, showing the 
character of the motion by which such powerful results are 
produced. The improvements made since the Carlisle Meeting 
of 1880 are as follows : — 
1. The steerage apparatus is now attached to the front broad- 
side of the digger whilst digging, instead of trailing behind 
over the dug ground. The discs, which were intended to serve 
the double purpose of breaking the clods and aiding the steer- 
age, have been abandoned, and two wheels are now used for 
steering only. 
2. A ready means of adjusting the depth of the digging has 
been introduced, which enables the steersman to regulate the 
depth without stopping the machine. 
3. The cranks conveying motion to the digging tools have 
a larger throw, causing the spits of earth to be turned over with 
greater certainty. 
4. The driving-pins in the wheels, used whilst turning, have 
been replaced by clutches, which can be used by the steersman 
