510 Report on the Trials of Implements at Oxford. 
to a large manufactory. The broken flax is delivered on to a revolving 
platform. 
No. 7198. Price, 35Z. — The mechanism by which the rollers work is some- 
what different. Reciprocating motion is obtained by three cogged wheels 
working round a central wheel, and by sun and planet motion causing cranks 
to revolve as they pass round the central wheel, giving backward and forward 
motion. This has two top and two bottom rollers, of different pitch. This 
machine has a quicker and more jumping motion, and the great friction 
evolves considerable beat, which is of importance in working hemp. The 
scutching machinery, attached in some cases to the rollers, completed the 
work so effectually commenced by the rollers. 
The sum of 15L was placed at the disposal of the Judges without restriction 
as to the kind of machine, whether to be worked by band or other power. In 
the class of hand power machines onlj' three makers presented themselves, viz. 
Whitehead, Page, and Kearsley. At Oxford care had been taken to have a 
quantity of clay suitable for the work. On former occasions, the results have 
not been satisfactory from inattention to this imj)ortant condition. Two pro- 
ficients from the neighbouring brickyaixl were emx^loyed to work over the 
clay. Then each esiibitor was requested to screen some clay, notes being 
taken of time and power, and then of the number of 2 inch tiles made during 
a minute's run, the hand dynamometer being used. Kearslej', whose machine 
was roughly made, though probably of a useful character, had not provided 
a screen, consequently did not go to trial. The following tables on p. 513 
give the results as regards Whitehead and Page. 
Whitehead's machine, price 24?., commended itself in two respects. The 
first a provision to prevent accident — the piston cannot be driven home too far ; 
at the end of the rack two cogs are left out and replaced by a movable stop ; 
when this point is reached the teeth of the pinion pass over this space, and 
the piston remains stationary, but when reversed, bite, and so draw back the 
piston. Secondly, the manner in which the screen or die frame are attached 
by a sliding clutch on the top, and by a groove on the bottom of the machine, 
together with the manner of fastening the lid, which is simple and efficient. 
Width of mouth is ICf by 8f inches high. These machines have a high 
practical character, being found to stand rough usage. The Judges 
awarded 11. 
Messrs. Page and Co.'s machine, price 201., is well got up. The screen and 
die are kept in place by a pin at the bottom, forming a hinge, and at the top 
by two keys — a faulty arrangement, as was seen during the experiments, one 
of the pins becoming loose. Moreover, more time was occupied in altering 
than in Whitehead's. Throws out of gear in order to return the ])iston after 
exhausting the box. The mouth is rather larger, and Mr. Page can make 
different sizes, up to 12, and even 15 iuches. The 2-inch pipes were fairly made, 
but the clay was less screened. 
As regards the comparative merits of hand and power machinery for tile 
making, it must be noted that two-inch pipes can be made, rolled, and placed 
Sectiox XIV. — Tile Machinery. 
Awards. 
6675. J. D. Pinfold .. .. 
6604. J. Whitehead .. .. 
4439. Edward Page and Co. 
Commended.f 
* For steam or horse power. 
t For hand power. 
