GRAVITATIONAL | SIFTERS, 
305 
have been patented that apply the powder by means of revolving per 
forated cylinders. The oldest of these seems to be one invented by Mr. 
William T. Robinson, of Uuntsville, Tex. (patent No. 140205, January 
0. 1S74). It combines both sprinkling and dusting, in that pure water 
is sprinkled over the plants by an arrangement in front of a two-wheeled 
truck, while at the same time the powdered poison is dusted from re- 
volving cylinders attached to the rear part of the truck. The powder 
thus sticks to the leaves and may be applied at all hours of the day. 
Doth the duster and the sprinkler can be detached at will and used sep- 
arately if necessary. 
''From Plate LVII, Figs. 1 and 2. the former of whieli is a plan view, tbe latter a 
longitudinal BOOt tonal view of t la- machine, it will be seen that the dusting apparatus 
consists of an horizontal shaft, G, extending each way beyond the -wheels, for reaching 
ov» r the outside rows, and carrying tim e or more revolving screens or sieves, H, for 
sprinkling on powdered substances. Said shaft is mounted on the rear end of the 
frame, [, which is, joined to the truck at, J, and suspended from the frame, If, by ropes, 
L, which are wound upon the shall. N. or let ont from it to shift the screens accord- 
ing to the height of the plants. The shall is revolved by s belt) O, from one of the 
wheels of the truck working on cone pulleys, P O, for varying the speed of the screens 
or sieves, as may be required. The pulley, O, on the shaft, G, connects with it by a 
clutch, R, which is connected with a shifting lever, S, for throwing the shaft out of 
gear when turning around at the end of the rows to save waste of material. T is a 
box for carrying the stock of powder bom Which to replenish the screens or sieves 
as they become < xhausted from time to time. This box may be also used for a seat 
for the driver. '1 he sieves are supplied through an opening in the ends, which may 
be closed by a gate or door of any kind, or by an opening in the side similarly (dosed. 
u The Davii Itftstrr. invented by Mr. Nicholas A. Davis, of Bask, Tex. 
(patent No. 154051, September 1, 1874). This is almost an exact coun- 
terpart of the foregoing machine, but without the sprinkling attach- 
ment. The only peculiarity is the addition of springs to the revolving 
cylinders to prevent too great a discharge of the poison in case of a 
sudden jar. 
Plate LVII, PlgS. 3 and 1. repress nts the invention attached to a cart. Tig. 4 is a 
eross-se, t ion through the line jf y. 
" A represents a :i ordinary farm-cart, across the rear end of which is secured the hori- 
zontal shaft, H, having its bearings in the arms, c e, projecting behind the cart. On 
the shaft, 15, are placed two or more loosely-revolving perforated cylinders, E, being 
revolved upon the shaft, which carries a pulley, a, over which a band or cord works, 
passing to the hub of the cart- wheel, from which it receives motion, and thus causes 
the shaft, 15, to revolve when the cart is in motion. Attached to the in^er end of each 
of. the outside cylinders is a spiral spring, b, coiled around the shaft. A, and so arranged 
as to secure an easy, gentle, lateral motion to the cylinders in case of a sudden jar 
given the machine. A si mi lar spring may be used at the opposite end of the cylinders, 
so as to check the jar in both direct ions. This invention can be fixed to any kind 
of frame moving on whet Is. and by a hand-crank and ordinary cog-gearing be suc- 
cessfully worked. 
" The Levy Duster. — This duster, patented by Mr. Charles H. Levy, of 
Natchitoches, La. (No. 154090, September 1, 1874), also distributes the 
poison by means of revolving cylinders which can be adjusted to the 
height of the plant. The whole apparatus can be secured to the forward 
63 cong 20 
