The Trials of Self-binding Harvesters at Chester. 725 
the mandible is opened by a downward axial pressure, caused by 
the tail end bearing against a cam formed in the lower face of 
the boss through which the body works. 
The string-holder is of peculiar construction. An annular 
bevel wheel about 6 in. diameter across its open centre has a 
short cylinder or rim formed on it close inside the teeth. On 
the edge of this cylinder are worked seven smooth rounded 
notches. The edge works into a kind of saddle, which fits over 
about 2 inches of the periphery, and as the needle lays the string 
over a notch the ring turns, and the string is jammed between 
the bottom edge of the saddle and the ring, the saddle being 
pressed down by an adjustable spring. 
Fig. 2. — The “Stark" Knot ter. 
The knotter is placed in the middle of the annulus and is 
surrounded by it, but it is a little below its centre, and, when 
at rest, stands With the mandibles inclined a good deal down- 
wards, so that with the aid of a fixed horn the pressure of the 
string is relieved from the mandibles, and, in taking off the knot, 
the pull is in the direction of the beak, so that the wear on the 
flat of the turning pinion is much reduced. 
The knife lies just inside the saddle, and is actuated by a 
cam on the back of the disc, which communicates the intermit- 
tent movements to the knotter-body and the string-holder. The 
whole arrangement is compact, and has proved itself to be very 
efficient. 
Tfie whole of the binding mechanism can be moved to and 
