Trial of Reaping and Mowing Machines

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We learn from the " Germantown Telegraph," that a trial of reaping and mowing machines took place on the 31st ult., at Flour-town, Montgomery Co., Pa., which was well attended by the farmers of several counties and by Protessor Wilson, one of the British Commissioners to the New York Exhibition, who is said to possess much knowledge of agriculture, and who appeared to feel much, interest in the operations of the day. For mowing, but two machines were entered; and of these, Ketchum's proved the favorite. For reaping, but three machines entered, two of Hussey's patent, and one of Seymour's. The former worked admirably, but required seven men to bind and clear the track for each machine, as it throws the grain behind instead of at the side. The " Norristown Herald " says that the trial was unsatisfactory to the spectators, and the " Germantown Telegraph " conveys the same impression. The judges awarded the premium of $50 to Seymour's combined mower and reaper. According to the "Bucks County Intelligencer," 2,000 spectators were present. At Mount Holly, N. .T., on Saturday the 2nd inst., another trial of reaping machines took place under the auspices of the Burlington County Agricultural Society, at which a very large number of Jersey farmers were present. For mowing, Ketchum's machine proved the favorite there also. For reaping, Hussey's and McCormack's machines were tried and worked very well, the latter appearing to be the favorite among the farmers.— Such exhibitions have resulted in the diffusion of a better knowledge of the subject among the agricultural fraternity, and have produced a more general disposition to adopt agricultural machinery.

Scientific American Magazine Vol 8 Issue 44This article was published with the title “Trial of Reaping and Mowing Machines” in Scientific American Magazine Vol. 8 No. 44 (), p. 346
doi:10.1038/scientificamerican07161853-346f

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