s it in neat heaps ready for binding. When the grain is flat
down, the machine will of course pass over it; but if it be
leaning, or tangled only, it is cut nearly as well as if standing,
excepting when it leans from the machine, and then if the horses
are put in a trot it will be very well cut. But in cutting such
grain much depends on the expertness of the hand who pushes off
the grain, in making clean work and good sheaves. I found the
machine capable of going through anything growing on my wheat
land, such as weeds and grass, no matter how thick.

"'After my harvest was over, I cut my seed timothy with the same
neatness and ease that I did my grain. As respects the durability
of the machine, I can say this much for my machine, that not the
least thing has given out yet; it appears as strong as a cart, and
but little liable to get out of order, if well used. I was advised
by Mr. Hussey of the necessity of keeping some of the parts well
greased; this I have punctually attended to, and no perceptible
wear yet appears, beyond the ordinary wear of any other machinery.

[Sidenote: Durability of the Machine]

"'It is immaterial to the machine whether the speed be a walk, or
trot; although a walk will make the most perfect work. My speed
was a common walk, but a trot is sometimes necessary to counteract
the effect of a strong wind when blowing from behind, in order to
incline the grain backwards, on to the platform, to make good
bundles. A quick walk is required to make good work in very short
and scattering grain. The machine performs well, up or down hill,
provided the surface be not too broken. By its compactness and
ease of management, rocks, and stumps too high to be cut over, can
be easily avoided. Although a rough surface is very objectionable,
yet I have cut over very rocky ground with no material difficulty.
I can say one thing which to some may appear incredible, but it is
not the less true; the cutters of my machine have not been
sharpened since I have had it; nor have I yet seen any appearance
of a need of it in the quality of its work. How many harvests a
machine would cut without sharpening is hard to say. I propose
sharpening mine once a year only. I have used two horses at a time
in the machine, and sometimes changed at noon; they worked it with
ease, the draught being