at the Newcastlc-upon- Ti/ne Meeting, 1846. 
695 
under consideration.* His first plan consisted in forming a 
barrel, bj stringing a number of narrow indented rims or discs 
loosely upon a square axis, the whole revolving, together with the 
axis, in the journals of the frame. In addition to the saw-like 
teeth into which the periphery of each rim was divided, other 
teeth were formed, projecting sideways from the plane of the rim, 
and in a radial line from the centre, so as to leave no portion of 
the soil unoperated upon. This roller gradually fought its way 
into considerable practice, being found to effect a much greater 
amount of superficial pulverization than the common plain roller. 
Extended experience disclosed other uses than mere clod-crush- 
ing, to which it was applicable ; and at the same time pointed out 
defects which deteriorated its performance and diminished its 
value. The rolling of young wheat, and spring corn, or other 
plants, was commenced with it, and usefully ; but it was found 
that, on turning short at the headlands, injury was done by tear- 
ing up the soil in the act of turning. A greater scope for turning 
than is convenient was, therefore, necessary to avoid this evil. 
Another evil resulted when using it on soils at all damp or 
sticky, from the adhesion of earth to the teeth and their inter- 
stices, which further limited its useful employment. Mr. Cross- 
kill, observing these defects, applied himself to their remedy, 
and in 1842 he took out a patent for the present implement, the 
improvements consisting, first, in setting each toothed rim free 
to revolve separately on a round, instead of their being fitted on a 
square axle ; and secondly, in giving a different form and direc- 
tion to the lateral teeth. By the first-named alteration the inde- 
pendent action of each rim was secured, so that each rim, in the 
progressive movement of the whole series, revolves upon its axis, 
and at the rate exactly due to the space to be travelled over in- 
surmounting the irregularities presented to it ; whilst in turning, 
all tearing of the soil or plants is avoided by the same faculty, 
which permits every rim or disc to adapt its velocity to the space 
required for each one to pass over, either forwards or backwards, 
in the act of turning ; in fact, this roller can be tui'ned about on 
the centre of its axle without producing any injurious effect. 
The independent motion of the rims also provided a powerful 
means of self-cleaning; for, inasmuch as the velocity of the 
several rims is perpetually varying, so they rub off the soil which 
might otherwise adhere to them — an action now further increased, 
as before observed, by enlarging the bore of the eye of each 
alternate ring, which causes a kind of eccentric or up and down 
* Spiked rollers are not here referred to, as they cannot accomplish, 
and are not employed for, the three purposes effected by Mr. CrosskiJl's 
single implement, viz. crushing clods, conipiessing soft soil, and rolling 
cultivated land. 
