398 
Report on Steam Cultivation at Newcastle. 
their work to the full depth ; consequently we find that the anchor lad is 
frequently called upon to add his weight ; still more headland is left un- 
ploughed, or irregularly ploughed out than by some other implements. As 
soon as the slack drums tighten the rope the pressure of the tail-rope helps 
to keep the plough to its work. But if the system has this objection, whicli 
we think cannot be denied, it has the merit of flexibility, if we may use the 
term to express the capacity of the implement to adapt itself to irregularities 
of surface. This may in some measure be attributed to the influence of larger 
wheels in steadying the draft. Thus, if worked across, ridge and furrow, it 
will be found that the balance-plough moves more soil through the low ground 
than any other implement yet invented. The cost for labour, &c, was as 
follows : — 
a. d. 
1 euginecr .. .. .. .. 3 G a day. 
1 ploughman .. .. .. ,. 3 0 „ 
1 anchor-lad .. .. .. .. 2 0 „ 
2 porter-boys, Is. 3d 2 6 „ 
Water-cart and lad .. .. .. 4 0,, 
Oil .. 10 „ 
Total .. .. 16 0 
When the Judges stopped work at G p.m. a considerable portion of the plot, 
originally about 5 acres, was unfinished. In all cases the laud actually 
ploughed was measured after the work was over, the shortest length being- 
taken in each case, as the headlands would have to be ploughed up to this 
point. 
" On Lot 2," Fowler worked two seven-horse single-cylinder engines, acting 
simultaneously on opposite headlands. The engines are fitted with clip-drums, 
reversing gear, &c, precisely similar to those attached to his ordinary engine. 
" This arrangement of poiccr ivas the chief novelty of the Show." At Wor- 
cester double engines were first exhibited alternately in action. It was 
suggested that a great improvement would result if the engines could be 
made to work together. This was then considered impracticable; and yet 
in one short year we have the idea matured. A great step has been taken 
in the history of steam-cultivation, which may fairly be claimed as the result 
of that prize system which has been in some quarters so rashly and sweepingly 
condemned. 
And how has this been brought about? By a simple and apparently insig- 
nificant alteration in details : formerly the joints which connect the different 
lengths of rope could not travel round the clip-drum, the friction-pulleys being 
fixed in a certain position would cause an obstruction and consequent fracture ; 
the 400-yard rope worked round the clip-drum ; the joints travelled round 
the anchor sheave ; and the length of furrow could not exceed about 350 yards. 
These pulleys are now hung upon an upright axis, and have a free motion, 
which allows them to give way when a joint passes. They are brought back 
to their position by the action of an indian-rubber spring which connects thcfii 
together, and which is strong enough to keep the pulleys properly pressing on 
the rope. This arrangement works admirably ; and during the two days' trials 
to which these engines were subjected we never found that the rope exhibited 
any tendency to slip, so perfect was the grip of the clip-drum. 
The pace was here considerably faster than on Plot 1, Fowler evidently being 
desirous of showing economy of cost rather than excellence of work. The 
furrow was consequently more broken and irregular, but still we considered 
the work creditable. The engines worked smoothly, and, so far as we could 
ascertain, appeared to bear an equal share of work in either direction. We 
would direct attention to the particulars of getting up steam — nearly half an 
