This machine derives its motive power from a carrying wheel without spokes, with interval gearing, consisting only of two shafts, a like number of pinions, and a bevel wheel. This wheel is supported by side plates, and works on friction rollers. The arrangement of the rakes is very ingenious, these being driven from the main shaft without any intermediate wheels; the rakes are completely under the control of the driver, who sits on a comfortable seat on the side of the machine out of the way of the rake, and he can make the sheaf any size he chooses, by the simple application of his foot to a lever -at the same time by his weight balancing the machine, so as to avoid any undue pressure on any part, or upon the horses. Another advantage is, the knife, which acts in a direct line with the axis of the driving wheel, and however unequal the field, it cuts level, as it follows the inequalities of the

ground along with the wheel, rising or falling as the case may be. The height of the cut, by a simple arrangement, is easily adjusted, almost in an instant. The machine is light, but at the same time strong, and a couple of horses, even in a heavy crop, as at Tolworth, work it with ease. The two-horse back-delivery reaper, possessing a similar motive power arrangement, was tried in the oat field, where it proved, under the most adverse circumstances, not only perfection in cutting-power, but also of easy draught. Mr Wood has, we think, in this new arrangement of his reapers, achieved an undoubtedly great success, and we look forward with much interest to the development of his invention.

From Scotland, favourable accounts reach us of the success attending the working of this machine on the farm of a well-known Scotch agriculturist, Mr Gray of Southfield, Duddingston, near Edinburgh.

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MONG the more useful exhibitions at Wolverhampton in the Implement Department of the Show, was the one made by Messrs Francis Morton & Co. (Limited), of Naylor Street Iron Works, Liverpool, London, and Glasgow, of the different kinds of wire fencing and other articles manufactured by them. This firm, we believe, was the first to introduce the system of "Twisted Cable Fencing" (see fig. 1), which, since its introduction some years ago, has been repeatedly improved upon by them, and among the most important of these improvements is the mode of straining or permanently tightening the wires by the action of their "Patent Winding Straining Pillars" (see fig. 2), upon which the practical value of a fence depends. We believe Messrs Morton were the first to introduce this method in a practical form, and their system is now very largely adopted

for railway and agricultural purposes: it is also exclusively employed by H.M. War Department, and has been awarded the medals and highest commendations of the leading agricultural societies.

In connexion with wire fencing, this firm has also recently patented an intermediate iron fence post, made of wrought iron galvanized (see fig. 3), possessing an oval tubular form tapered, which gives it a light and elegant appearance. When fixed in the ground, it is perfectly rigid in every direction, an improvement never before securedall the old forms of iron fence posts requir ing to be keyed, tied, or wedged to the wires. The wires, in fact, supported the posts, instead of the posts carrying the wires, as they ought to do. The fence fitted with these galvanized oval posts (which is illustrated in fig. 1, and known as Morton's Fence, Nc. 5),

the firm supply largely for park and ornamental purposes, at a less price than common iron hurdles. This fence has lately been specially selected for the New Park in Liver

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Messrs Morton have also introduced an important Patented Improvement in Continuous Bar Iron Fencing "-viz., their selfwedging or self-locking joints, which supersede the numerous expedients that have been contrived for securing the rigidity and practical usefulness of this class of iron fencing, such as loose wedges, pins, notches, staples, &c. This fencing requires no skilled labour in its erection, and is, therefore, efficient and cheap.

The Royal Agricultural Society of England has recognized the merits of their "Patent Iron Thatch," a substitute for covering hay

Fig. 1.

pool; for the Southwark and Finsbury Parks in London; and may also be seen in the grounds of the Crystal Palace at Sydenham; on the esplanade at Brighton, Folkstone, Bray, and elsewhere.

Fig. 2.-Front View.

and corn ricks. This is perfectly secure against high winds, costs nothing for repairs, is weather and fire-proof, and is readily fixed by ordinary farm labourers.

Where a stationary stack covering is preferred, Messrs Morton meet the requirements with their "Permanent Self-supporting Iron Hay Barn Roofs," of which an example was also exhibited. These roofs (see fig. 4) are erected in single spans of from 15 feet to 45 feet, supported either on timber or on iron uprights. Entire farm-yards are frequently covered over by a series of such roofs (see fig. 5), for which purpose they are specially

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VERY excellent broadcast sowing machine has recently been introduced by Mr B. Reid & Co., of Aberdeen. It was exhibited at the Smithfield Club Cattle Show last year, where it attracted a good deal of attention.. We have now the pleasure of illustrating it by two woodcutsfig. shewing the machine prepared for

travelling by road; and fig. 2 the machine ready for work in the field. The machine claims several advantages over ordinary The seed-box broadcast sowing machines. is near the ground, and can consequently be safely used in windy weather; being in one piece and very strong, it cannot "flap or "swing," as do the boxes of the machines