4>2 Report on the Trials of Implements ot Oxford. 
Fig. 6. — Vieio of Messrs. Richmond and C,'iandlei-'s CItaffciMer, 
No. 4881, shoioing Gearing. 
in and out of gear, is effected by a starting-rod tlirougli an eccentric handle. 
We conceive tliat having the gearing on tlie line-sliaft so near to the flj'-wlieel 
shaft, and not on the second shaft, as is often the case, is a good arrangement, 
as saving strain and friction, and also balancing the wheels and pinions at m i. 
A travelling web is introduced in place of the ordinary bed of the feeding-box, 
carried on a pulley, which is fixed just behind the lower feed-rollers, and driven 
a trifle faster than the latter, in order that the straw may be ready for the rollers. 
This is a material help to the attendant, relieving him of the labour of pulling 
the straw or hay forward, and allowing him to concentrate his whole atten- 
tion on the feed. The box in the power-machine which we are describing is 
14^ inches wide. The face of the box is made of chilled metal, and bevelled. 
Tliis is done to prevent the knife-edge being blunted by contact, especially if 
badly fixed on the fly-wheel ; but we could not ascertain that there was other- 
wise much advantage. 
There is no reverse motion for the rollers, as it is not considered of anj- use ; 
in the event of choking, it is only necessary to throw the machine out of gear, 
and reverse the pinion on the line-shaft. Two sizes of chaff, f and I inches, 
can be cut by the arrangements we have dtscribcd without change of wheels; 
but a further alteration can be effected, if required, by change of wheels. The 
machine was admirably made, and worked very smoothly. Fig. 5 shows 
ilie back view of the box and gearing. 
We noticed that an opening of 2 inches was left between the lower roller 
