HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 223 
secured. The grain had been carefully cut with a scythe, and the shatter- 
ing had taken place not uniformly, but in spots over the field. In clearing 
up after some sheaves which had lain upon the barn floor, he observed a 
large number of worms. 
Mr. Isaac Newton ascribed the shattering not to the attacks of an insect, 
but to alternate showers and hot sun, by which the grain was beaten down 
and lodged, and subjected to an atmosphere of warm, confined vapor. Oats 
always ripened unequally, and this would account for the shattering in 
spots. 
Dr. A. L. Elwyn inquired if the experience of the recent harvest had 
settled opinions as to the merits and demerits of the various reaping 
and mowing machines. The employment of these machines was rapidly 
becoming universal throughout our country. The number manufactured 
and the sums realized from their sale were enormous. 
Mr. Harrison had continued the use of Ketchum's machines, and with 
increased satisfaction. Ketchum's " Improved" he had had opportunities 
of observing. The improvements were very decided, as by them the knives 
were in no case lifted out of the plane of vibration, and they could at once 
be thrown in and out of gear. He was not satisfied that it was advan- 
tageous to make the frame and finger-bar of iron. The knives cut closer 
to the ground, but the treraulousness of the machine was increased. He 
acknowledged that if the machine delivered the cut grass and grain at the 
side, instead of the rear, it would be more valuable. 
Mr. S. C. Willets thought the rear delivery a capital objection to any 
mower and reaper, as none but an experienced and skilful attendant could 
effectually rake off at the side, and clear the ground for the return of the 
machine. With M'Cormick's this service w^as unnecessary. It had a side 
delivery. 
Dr. Emerson desired to form an idea of the comparative yield of hay 
this season. No doubt the crop was quite short. 
Dr. Elwyn stated that the average crop in Chester county might be put 
down as one and a half tons to the acre. In ordinary seasons, from two to 
two and a half tons were realized. 
Mr. Newton regarded the experience of the present season as fraught 
with valuable instruction. Good farming had generally secured good crops, 
but careless and neglectful farmers had been most severely punished for 
their neglect by poor returns. He had endeavored to cultivate and manure 
freely, and his yield of hay was from two and a quarter to two and half 
tons to the acre. Clover, however, had fared badly. 
