Delaware inquirer. (Wilmington, Del.) 1859-18??, 1859-09-10
A RIDE ON THE STEAM PLoW.

DR.. Alfred i. kennedy, of Philadelphia, a
gentleman who has done much for the pro-
gress of scientific agriculture, communicates
the following interesting inscription of the
experiment recently tried with the Steam
Plow of Mr.. Fawkes at Oxford, for the columns
Of the Country Gentleman:
Yesterday will beever memorable in life
by no means devoid of incident, for then was
realized a long cherished wish to ride on Il
successful steam plow, of Ameri, an invention
The day was halmy ieecy clouds and a
slight haze shielded man and nature from the
summer sun. The oats, the last of our sum-
mer cereals to yield up their treasures, were
ready for the reapers, who were now rejoicing
over all the land, because of a superintendent
harvest. A fit day for the rendering of
Judgment on new means Of agricultural pro-
gress-to inaugurate great agricultural era.
The committees of the Pennsylvania Agricul-
tural Society, and of its venerable prototype,
the Philadelphia Society for Promoting Agri-
culture, were in attendance. The extensive
grounds Of the Oxford Park Association had
BEEN thrown open to the committee and
decision was to be made on the merits of the
invention of John w. Fawkes, Lancaster
county mechanic, who, after three years of
almost despairing struggle andutter privation,
spent in the embodyment of his grand idea,
now submitted the product of his genins to
the highest tribunals of his native State and
her metropolis. As he stood i'll the garb of a
workman trying his gauges, or in a sharp,
quick tone. which told of mingled confidence
and anxiety, giving orders to the foreman, his
rough attire soiled in such cause, appeared
more honorable than imperial purple. BY
his permission stepped upon the engine, and
stood by his side, as the shrill whistle gave
the signal to start. The gang of eight IA inch
prairie plOws, which until now had hung by
chains to cranes at the rear of the machine.
were quickly lowered until they rested ON the
hard sod. One movement of the lever, and
onward we went, up an ascent Of about seven
degrees, and with smooth, uniform motion.
As the eight shares entered the soil appre-
hended a sudden check and strain like that
felt when railroad trainis partially "braked |
up, but nothing ofthe kind was experienced |
In the enormous driving wheel, or rather
drum, beneath my feet, could not detect the
least sliding on the sod. The traction araS
perfect.
Before us the beautiful green turf swept
under the bow of our gallant craft. Behind |
us lay a wide deep-hrown wake, in which
scarce tinge of green was visible. Under
the stern the eight broad waves of sod lifted
their crests, and rolled over like surges falling
upon the beach. ''Steady she goes as our
helmsman, with hand upon the tller, and
eye upon the guide-wheels, keeps oil Ills
straight course. But we near the edge of our
leld. Two shreks of the whistle, and up
rise the plows. Starboard your helm Round
sweeps our craft rs easily and gratifying as
bird ON the wing, and we came again into
line. Another whistle, and the plows are
owered, and in less time than that required
% follow this sentence, she is OFF! A flush of
tnla Inc g.. q
inventor. The grade slightly descends. The
.rowd which has toiled afterus up the ascent.
quicken their pace. Still we are leaving
hem. Now only the foremost-then the
whole party break into run, and shouts.
ike those which followed the triumphal car
u Roman conquerOr, rend the air.
Many were the warm grasps of congratula-
ion which greeted the American conqueror.
Is he stepped from his car of triumph. and in
modest terms proposed to subject the machine
o any test which the committee might sug-
,cst. "Can you cross-plow the land you
ave just turned over! eyes SIR" was Ills
prompt reply, and wheeling his machine into
position, he crossed at right angles the fur
ows previously thrown up. Subsequently
,ulleys were passed over, abrupt elevations
and finally the plows were de-
aohed. and an omnibus hitched to the engine.
Here we are now. right OF, - cried facetous
passenger and right off we were, going over
he trotting course at good round pace.
Feelings of intense qualification appeared to
inmate the entire assembly, ana left the
grounds with emotions of thankfuness to that
great and good Being who in our own dav
had enabled iellow-countryman to make
he giant steam tributary to the art of cult
alton, and the means of untold blessing to
Millions.