The Press.
London, England, 1857-07-25 00:00:00

THE PRESS, JULY 25, 1857.

London. This machine, which gained the first prize,
operates beautifully as a mowing-machine for grass
or other crops, and when employed to reap white
corn a curved platform is attached, on which a very
ingenious yet simply constructed automatic rake
collects and delivers the corn in sheaf-bundles in
the rear of the machine, out of the way of the next
course.

The chief part of the trials, with the exception of
the steam-culture experiments, were concluded on
Saturday last. On Monday the steam ploughs were
(-Tiered up to the large field purposely provided at
Bishopsdown, at the crown of the hill not far from
the show-yard. Mr. Burrell's locomotive traction
engine, fitted with Boydell's endless railway,
climbed the ascent steadily and with great power,
dragging after it a tender holding 1,01 X) gallons of
water and carrying all the ploughs and tackle re-
quired. The boiler is an ordinary 8-horse power,
with double cylinder engines, reversing motion, re-
ducing gear-work, water-tank, ship-steerage, &c., as last
year, and weighs when fully charged with water, ten
tons. Yet this enormous weight, with the seven tons
of load behind it, proceeded up an acclivity of one in
ten or twelve, the inclination in one place being no
less than one in seven. Mr. Fowler's 10. horse
engine, weighing about eight tons, and made to
travel of itself upon wheels with braati peripheries,
instead of being fitted with the endless rails, was
only able to ascend the hill by anchoring a rope
ahead and hauling up to the anchor, "veering," as it
were, and with a slow and laborious progress. Mr.
Collinson Hall's traction engine, exceedingly light
and worked with steam of very great pressure, met
with an accident in turning a most difficult and un-
reasonable corner, and entering a steep uphill gate-
way, was put hors de combat. The ploughing com-
menced, after many deiays, with Mr. Burrell's
implements and traction engine, and proceeded amid
great interruption from the crowding of the assem-
bled lookers on. The problem of steam culture,
however, does not seem likely to be solved at Salis-
bury. The ground, although described as " light
land," is so unsuited for clean smooth ploughing
(consisting almost of one part stiff earth to two of
stones and gravel) that no good work is practicable ;
and of the methods of actuating the implements
perhaps there is not one free from considerable
objections; and the feeling of the public appears to
be that an amalgamation of the best points in several
schemes might be more successful than any single
one has yet been.
At noon on Tuesday a party of farming [notabili-
ties proceeded on a tour of inspection to the water
meadows, now in the occupation of the Right Hon.
Sidney Herbert. The inspection of the meadows
afforded much satisfaction, and was followed by a
visit to Mr. Herbert's model farm, upon which be
undertakes to demonstrate the profitable zharacter
of green crops. All is simple, good, and effective,
and the crops excellent. The party, consisting of
some two hundred gentlemen, was then invited to
cross the beautiful park, and enjoy the princely
hospitality of Wilton-house in the spacious library.
At the close of the dejeilner Mr. Herbert read his
balance-sheet, being an average of five years, com-
mencing 1850 and ending 1855, accompanied with
synopses and analyses of a most important and
interesting character, all reflecting much credit upon
Mr. Robson, agent for the Pembroke estates, who
drew them up. Tha result is highly favourable to
Mr. Herbert's system of one third cereal and two-
thirds hay, roots, and green crops.
The Prince Consort honoured the meeting on
Wednesday with his presence, and though the visit
was strictly private his Royal Highness met with a
very warm reception from the good people of Salis-
bury.
On Thursday the dinners came off with great
success, Lord Portman, Mr. Sidney Herbert, and
many other distinguished agriculturists, being pre-
sent. The city has been very gay, with concerts,
theatrical performances, fireworks, bands, and every
species of entertaining amusement ; in short, every-
thing bears the aspect appropriate to a triumphantly
successful meeting.