552 The Trials of Sheep Shearing Machines at Chester. 
sheep have to be dealt with, so that the cost of the power (when 
not water power) may be spread over several machines working 
simultaneously. It is also probable that the art of shearing 
will be more readily acquired with the mechanical shears than 
in hand work, and the fatigue to the shearer in the former case 
is less than in the latter. 
The apparatus, driven by a small petroleum engine or by a 
horseworks, would seem to be well adapted for working on hire 
about the country. 
W. Anderson. 
Alfred J. Smith. 
MISCELLANEOUS IMPLEMENTS 
EXHIBITED AT CHESTER. 
Attention has been drawn to the apparent anomaly of a mag- 
nificent ' Agricultural Exhibition coexistent with agricultural 
gloom of a most serious character. So far as this report is con- 
cerned, however, there is no anomaly to explain. The farmer’s 
necessity is the inventor’s opportunity ; cause and effect are 
both in evidence. And yet it is to be feared that, without 
underrating this year’s great display of skilful invention, 
favourably as it may compare with the advance of any former 
year, the “ New Implement ” is still unforged that can convert 
adversity into prosperity. Collectively, however, modern labour- 
saving appliances do go some distance in this direction. 
This year the “ New Implement ” exhibits were exceptionally 
numerous, 127 being entered in the Catalogue as against 114 at 
Windsor in 1889, and less than 100 at the intervening shows. 
Several oil engines of good design were entered as “ new imple- 
ments,’’ but, in view of the prizes offered by the Society next 
year for this class of machinery, it is not thought desirable to 
specially allude to them on this occasion. 
Before considering individual exhibits, it may be well to 
state that there were several potato-raising implements with 
great claim to both novelty and merit, and it was with some 
regret that the Judges recognised the impossibility of carrying 
out the trials that would have been necessary to do justice to 
each, within the time at their disposal. It is much to be hoped 
that an opportunity for such trials may occur at no distant 
date. 
Within the limits of this Report, it will only be possible to 
