The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1868-09-12
farm ana Aonsebolo.

isy- I'm enthusiastic admIrer of the Dia-
mond State Thrashiug Machine sends US the
following account Of the trial between that
and the Wheeler Machine, which took place
on the ,arm of Mr.. Murphey, in New Castle
county, Del, two weeks since, a very full
account Of which we published
BIG Elk, August 3lst, 1865.
DEAR WING II had intended writing
somewhat minute account of the thrashing
match which came off last week at the farm
but you anticipated me, in a measure, by
publishing from the Commercial an account
Of it. But a good story will bear repeating,
and your readers, most of whom are farm
crs, and therefore interested in this trial,
will pardon me for travelling over the ground
again.
On the 10Th day of August, 1865 an ex-
ceedingly bad day for the season, an unusual
stir was observed about the usually quiet
premises known as Granite Hill, belonging
to Mr.. David J. Murphey.
1t might have been proper to remark in
advance that the Wheeler Thrasher and
Cleaner had enjoyed an undisputed popu
tarity throughout the whole country and es-
pecially in he upper parts Of Delaware and
Maryland, and it was not to be expected
that the manufacturers and vendors of this
tavorite machine would brook the preten-
sions of rival without record and almost
without name. Accordingly, the agent Of
the Wheeler challenged the manufacturers of
the Diamond State Machine to public trial
Of powers and qualities and the farm of
Mr.. Murphey was selected as the scene of
the trial, which explains the cause of the
stir above adyerted to on the said Goth of
August.
The machines had been forwarded to the
ground The day before and run a little to see
that they were in order; and all the fore
noon Of the eyentful day was spent in put
ing them in proper trim. About noon spec
tators began to drop in from the surround
ing country to the number of about 400 per-
sons, mostly farmers, manufacturers and
mechanics, and especially the owners of
thrashers. 1t was splendid gathering of
the bone and sinew, brains and muscle of
the land; and the manner in which they dis
cussed the merits of the rival machines in
dcated the deep interest they felt in the APP
preaching trial.
At about p o'clock, Mr.. William Dean,
one Of the judges, called the company to
order, when Mr.. James Springer, also one
of the Judges, read the rules by which the
trial should be governed.
The Wheeler Machine was fed the first
half hour by VIM D. Cornog the second
half hour by Benjamin Wolfe. The Dia-
mond State was served by James A. Alex
anier.
The judges appointed Messrs. Daniel SUIT
ton ami Samuel Lindsey to measure the
wheat, and Messrs. John Smith and James
Adams to count the sheaves.
The cylinders of the two machines were
as near alike as possible, the diameter being
the same, IA inches the Wheeler cylinder
II inches long, Diamond State 50 inches.
The Wheeler led of, thrashing in a half
hour 80 Sc doz., making III bushels clean
wheat.
The Diamond State followed and thrashed
in her first half hour 81 2-6 doz., making
I}4 bushels.
The horses which were worked on the
Wheeler power were now placed on the Dia-
mond State, which in her second half hour
thrashed SO 3-12 doz., making 14I bushels.
The horses which first propelled the Dia-
l:ond State were now introduced to the
Wheeler on her decisive run, in which she
made 81 81 doz. and III bushels.
The parties to this contest displayed good
Judgment in the selection of judges, they
being gentlemen of high moral and intel
lectual worth, and, moreover, of practical
experience in this very department of ma
chinery.
The most striking point elected in the
trial, is that the Diamond State Machine not
only did the best work in the same time, but
got the most wheat out of the same number
Of sheaves.
The Messrs. Casho Il Co., and their arti
Fans who got up this particular machine, de-
serve great credit for her working qualities.
Throughout her entire trial the practiced ear
could detect, above the rafting of the power
and the rushing OF the straw, that peculiar
hum which is the sure indication of perfect
thrasher.
The award of the judges is heartily en-
dorsed by all who witnessed the contest, I'm
less it be the concluding part, where they
call the Wheeler a frst-class machine, which
/ think was caused by an excusable excess
Of courtesy; for where everybody was in
such good humor, it was to be expected that
the judges would be eminently amiable.
l understand that the exhibitors contem-
plate enlarging their business in order to
meet the increasing demand for this excel
lent machine; for surely no sane man will
send his money to New York, when he can
procure better and cheaper machine at
home, where in the course of trade he will
get back some of his money.
If had time | would like to put in word
here in favor Of that honored old Wing doc
tame and against the insane folly of sending
our gold and gold bearing bonds to Europe
to purchase goods, on the shallow pretense
Of cheapness, when in reality they cost more
and are often not as good as domestic goods.
But | must conclude by extending my
congratulations to the successful exhibitors
and manufacturers of the Diamond State
Ihrasher OBSERVER.