FOWLER'S STEAM CULTIVATING TACKLE.

Otago Witness, Issue 1240, 4 September 1875, Page 18

FOWLER'S STEAM CULTIVATING TACKLE.

On Thursday last the "Baby "engine set of steam cultivating tackle, recently brought out by Messrs John Fowler and Co., Leeds, and specially designed for Scotland, was tried in presence of a large number of agriculturists on the farm of Nfiwark, near Ayr. The trial took place under the auspices of the Ayrshire Agricultural Association, at whose annual show the previous day the new set attracted much attention. The field on which the trial took place was on the slope of Newark Hill, adjoining Newark policies. The trial, which was nut exceedingly heavy— indeed, might be called medium — was in course nf preparation for turnips, and had evidently nofc been worked this spring. It was ploughed across to the depth of 10 inches, afthe rate of 10 acres per day, by Messrs Fowler's gigantic implement, which turned over the soil in a most satisfactory manner. The large cultivator was afterwards attached to the tackle, and at the rate of about 15 acres per day smashed up and loosened the soil most effectually, the job being, considering the purpose for which the land was being prepared, even more effectual than that executed by the plough. As some on the ground were sceptical as to its working capabilities up and down the field instead of across, Mr Greg of Harvieston (manager in Scotland for Messrs; Fowler and Co.) had the engines shifted in a few minutes, and the plough was soon working from top to bottom and back, ascending and descending with ease the sides of a hollow in the centre, the gradients of which would not be less than 23°. Several large stones were turned up by the plough, which might have been expected to cause damage, but only one single sock or share was broken, though the implement travelled with great speed. The trial was highly satisfactory, and the sat was sold to Mr Rankine, Beoch, Maybole. — North British Agriculturist.

The Clydesdale Horse.— Mr Drew, a celebrated breeder, thus speaks of him in the Live Stock Journal and Fanciers' Gazette, London : — "The reason why the Clydesdal breed of horses have increased so much in value, and are so much run upon, is that they are very enduring in their work, improving till they reach the age of 5 or 6 years, especially the right kind that have the strong, well-formed, wide foot at top and heel, with big flat bones, long silky hair, strong, well-sprung pasterns, which secures both feet and legs free action before and behind, with the hocks and the toes a little out."

A Potato-Planter. — A new potatoplanter has been introduced in Toronto, Canada, which performs the operation of opening the drill, cutting the seed, depositing the sets at any required interval, and with any required quantity of fertiliser, and covering the seed as fast as a horse can draw it. The machine, it is said, will do efficiently the work of ten men or boys, and two teams.

There are, in the Benevolent Institution, 8-4 persons, including 30 men, 8 women, 22 boys, and 24 girls. One hundred families are at present dependents upon out-door relief, at an expenditure of over £30 a-week. This increased expense has been principally incurred through some undesirable immigrants who have deserted their wives and families, or found appropriate quarters in Hor Majesty's Gaol. The Committee, in order to prevent the spread of any infectious disease, are having erected a hospital which will cost about £400. Mr Hardy prepared the plans, and Mr Mitchell is the contractor.