Chapter V: Part 5

"This may certify that I have had one of Mr. Hussey's mowing and
reaping machines on my farm this year cutting wheat, oats, and grass
for a short time. I think nothing can beat it cutting timothy grass,
and I intend to purchase one for that purpose. While the machine was
cutting prairie grass in my field, I cut off a dry poplar stake, one
inch in diameter, which had been sticking in the ground after it had
been laid off for a ditch. I am of the opinion that it will cut
wheat well, where it is so much lodged, or so foul with stiff weeds
or corn stalks that it cannot be cut with any other machine I have
seen in this country. Some of my neighbors say that they intend to
have Mr. Hussey's reaper in preference to any other; and from what I
can learn this opinion is pretty general in my neighborhood amongst
those who have seen this machine work, and are acquainted with other
machines. My brother farmers have had great trouble with McCormick's
machine, by the breaking of sickles, and the great difficulty or
rather the impossibility of getting them repaired, or getting new
ones made when broken, whereas the blades of Mr. Hussey's machine
can be made by any common blacksmith. I have no doubt but Mr.
Hussey's machine will come into general use.

"D. W. ANNIS."

"Franklin Precinct, DeKalb Co.,
"August 13, 1849.

"This may certify that we have seen Mr. O. Hussey's machine cut
about an acre of wheat, so badly lodged that McCormick's reaper
could do nothing with it, nor could it be cradled. Said Hussey's
machine cut it handsomely, and laid it in very good bundles for
binding.

"JOHN SCHOOMAKER,
ALBERT FIELD,
JOHN M. SCHOOMAKER,
DANIEL MILLER,
ALBERT FIELD, JR.,
ISAAC CRILL,
JOHN MILLER."

"Berkshire, Kane County, Ill.,
"August 6, 1849.

"We, the undersigned, having seen Mr. Hussey's reaper work at
cutting grass and grain, think it preferable to McCormick's or any
other machine that we have seen. It cut wheat that could not be cut
with McCormick's reaper or a cradle. We are well acquainted with
McCormick's machine.

"P. A. HIXBY,
JOHN GRIGGS, JR.,
JOHN GRIGGS,
HARRY POTTER,
JOHN SHIRWOOD,
SETH SHIRWOOD,
DAVID SHANKS,
ABRAHAM SHIRWOOD,
JAMES HESS,
ALSON BANKER,
D. C. WRIGHT,
ELISHA WRIGHT."

"Oswego, Ill.,
"August 2, 1849.

"This may certify that I cut a lot of Black Sea Wheat with Mr. O.
Hussey's Reaper; the wheat was so badly lodged that no McCormick
Reaper or Cradle could cut it; Mr. Hussey's Reaper cut it clean and
laid the bundles out of the track in good order for binding. I have
seen the work done by this machine in grass; it was as good work as
ever I saw done by a scythe, or better. For my choice I should
rather have my grass cut by the Reaper than by the scythe. Every
farmer ought to have such a machine, and every farmer I hear talk
about it says the same.

"PHILIP YOUNG."

"Sugar Grove,
"August 8, 1849.

"This may certify that we have seen Mr. O. Hussey's machine operate
in clean grain, and where weeds were very tall, large and thick. In
the former, it operated as well as any machine we have seen; in the
latter, it worked to a charm, even where it was impracticable to cut
with one of McCormick's Reapers.

"HARRY WHITE,
L. B. SNOW,
CHAUNCEY SNOW,
SULLIVAN DORR,
HIRAM TUBS,
DWIGHT SPENCER,
SAMUEL WARD,
A. LOGAN."

"Springfield, Ill.,
"Dec. 25, 1850.

"_Mr. Obed Hussey, Baltimore, Md.:_

"Dear Sir:--I have used one of your Mowing and Reaping Machines, and
consider it the best machine I ever saw, and never intend to do
without one, if it is possible to get one, even if I have to go to
Baltimore and remain at the shop till one can be made. I do candidly
believe if I had had one ten years ago I would now feel like a much
younger man; and cheerfully recommend them to all who have grass or
grain to cut, as a machine that will do their work in perfect order,
neatness, and with ease to all employed.

"JOHN SIMMS,
"Four miles west of Springfield, Ill."

"Utica, Lasal Co., Ill.,
"Dec. 14, 1850.

"_Obed Hussey, Esq.:_

"Dear Sir:--I received your Reaping and Mowing Machine in time for
harvest, and used it for harvesting and for mowing. I am fully
satisfied that your machines are the best yet offered to the farmers
of this State. I have mowed about four hundred acres, a great
portion of which was wild prairie, very frequently running against
stones and ant heaps with sufficient force to throw both driver and
raker off the machine, without injury to the machine. Why your
machine is preferable to any other, is, after you have cut your
different kinds of grain, fully as well as can be done with any
other machine, with not over fifteen minutes' work, you can take the
same machine into your meadow or on to the prairie, and cut your
grass at the rate of ten acres per day, cutting closer and cleaner
than can be done with a scythe. With proper care, your machines will
last fifteen or twenty years, with trifling repairs.

"Respectfully yours,

JAMES CLARK."

"Island Grove, Sangamon Co., Ill.,
"December 25, 1850.

"_Mr. Obed Hussey, Baltimore, Md.:_

"Dear Sir:--Last summer I received two of Hussey's Mowing and
Reaping Machines; one from your own shop in Baltimore, and the other
manufactured in this State. Unfortunately for me, I retained the one
manufactured in this State, and with some difficulty succeeded in
cutting about two hundred acres of wheat and grass. The one from
your shop I let Mr. John Simms have, who cut his wheat, oats and hay
(about seventy-five acres) with perfect satisfaction and ease, most
of it with two horses, and without being obliged to grind the
knives. After Mr. Simms finished his harvest he let Mr. James D.
Smith, of Island Grove, have it, who cut about three hundred acres
of grass with it, the machine giving perfect satisfaction.

"Very respectfully yours,

"EDWARD J. ENO."

"Carrolton, Green Co., Ill.,
"Dec. 27, 1850.

"I procured one of Mr. Hussey's Reaping and Mowing Machines from
Baltimore last spring; I cut eighty acres of wheat, and ten acres
of oats, and fifty acres of timothy with it, to my entire
satisfaction--after which I cut sixty acres of cloverseed with it in
less than five days. I could not have saved the cloverseed without
the machine, so I consider I saved the whole cost of the machine in
the saving of the cloverseed alone.

"SAMUEL THOMAS."

"Springfield, Ill.,
"Dec. 25, 1850.

"_Mr. Obed Hussey, Baltimore, Md.:_

"Dear Sir:--During the harvest of August, 1849, with one of your
machines I cut sixty acres of Hemp, using a set of 4-1/2 feet knives
and guards, and two teams of four horses each, changing every two
rounds, which cut on an average eight acres per day. This last
harvest, the same single machine, with 6 foot guides and knives,[7]
operated by the same force, cut successfully 250 acres of hemp, or
from 10 to 12 acres per day. From this experience, I take pleasure
in recommending your Cutters above the hemp cradle and hook, not
only as labor-saving, by the expedition with which they cut, but as
hemp saving, from the perfect thoroughness, evenness and nearness to
the ground with which they do their work, and the regular and
collected form in which they leave the hemp after being cut.

"Yours respectfully,

"EDWARD S. COX."

[7] The cutters were lengthened by removing a board that previously
reduced the cutting space to 4-1/2 feet in length.

"Carrolton, Lebanon Co., Ill.,
"Sept., 1850.

"_Mr. O. Hussey:_

"The four Reaping and Mowing Machines you sent arrived safe and in
good order. Their performance far exceeded our expectations, the
work went on so smoothly that we scarcely knew it was hay time and
harvest. * * * If your machine had been as well known as they are
now, you could have sold twenty as well as one.

"Yours,

"JONAS WARD."

The few letters which follow, taken from the _American Farmer_, and referring to a still later period, are selected for their brevity, from many others, and principally from Maryland and Ohio. It is considered unnecessary to extend the list, for the operation and character of the machine is too well and too widely known at this day to render it necessary to the intelligent farmer and general reader, in any grain growing section of the country.[8]

[8] With the view of determining as far as possible which was the
best Reaping and Mowing Machines for the farmer to purchase, the
Maryland State Agricultural Society in 1852 offered a prize of one
hundred dollars--the largest yet offered in the country--for the
best machine, to be tested by a committee appointed by the
Society; a large committee of men of the first standing in the
State, and all large wheat growers, was appointed, and extended
notice published of the trial to take place at "Wye," the seat of
Col. Edward Lloyd, Eastern Shore, Md., in July.

Every effort was made by the Society and Committee to give a fair
and satisfactory trial; as the extent of crops in that fine wheat
growing region, and extensive level face of the country, are
unsurpassed anywhere for such an exhibition.

But two machines were entered for competition, McKeever's and
Hussey's. The prize was awarded unanimously to Hussey. Why no
others could be induced to attend was a matter of surprize at the
time, and so remains with many.

"Harewood,
"12mo., 8, 1852.

"Having used one of O. Hussey's Reaping and Mowing Machines during
the last harvest (1852) I can state that in cutting wheat, oats
and cloverseed--also in mowing my crop of grass--it has fully
answered my expectations, doing the work better than I ever had it
done by the scythe, and at much less expense. The machine has been
tested by cutting some fifty to sixty acres of grass--quite
sufficient to prove its complete adaptation to mowing as well as
reaping.

"EDWARD STABLER."

"Wye House,
"Dec. 20, 1852.

"Dear Sir:--Having worked your Reaper for many years I have fully
tested its merits. It has proved itself to be not only a wheat
saving implement but a labor and time saving one--these are all
important to the farmer.

"It does its work completely, regardless of the position of the
wheat, if in condition to bind.

"Those you sent me in the spring worked well through the harvest,
and proved their strength.

"Yours respectfully,

"EDW'D LLOYD."

"Oxford, Md.,
"Dec. 8, 1852.

"_Mr. Obed Hussey:_

"Sir:--I have used your Reaper with such entire satisfaction that
I am but performing a duty to my brother farmers by recommending
it in the strongest terms.

"For sixteen years I have used a Reaping Machine, and know from
experience that the most important qualities are _strength_
and _simplicity_. In these respects your machine is superior
to any other, and is the only one I have seen which can be safely
entrusted to the management of ordinary overseers, with negro
laborers.

"Yours, etc.,

"TENCH TILGHMAN."

"Hayes, Montgomery Co., Md.,
"December 7, 1852.

"I purchased in the year 1851 one of Mr. Obed Hussey's Reaping
Machines. I used it that year and this year in cutting my grain; I
was pleased with the machine; I consider it a valuable implement,
and hope never to be without one while I continue to be a farmer.
My machine was used in cutting wheat and oats--it was not designed
for grass. I employed it about half the day, and reaped about ten
acres of land in grain--the rest of the day was devoted to the
securing of the grain; I used four horses. My machine, I believe,
was of the smallest size, and was without front wheels; with
wheels it would have been a relief to the horses.

"I cannot speak of the relative value of this machine compared
with others, having never seen any Reaping Machines but Hussey's
at work. I do not think I could be induced to return to the old
mode of cutting grain by the scythe and cradle.

"Respectfully yours, etc.,

"ROBERT P. DUNLOP."

"Forest Hill, King and Queens Co., Va.,
"December 24, 1852.

"_Mr. O. Hussey:_

"Sir:--It gives me pleasure to state that I used your Reaping
Machine in my late harvest with great satisfaction. It fully
equals my expectation as a labor-saving implement, and does the
work better than can be done by the cradle. I would farther state
that the seven which were purchased along with mine for my
relations and friends of this country have given in every
instance, entire satisfaction.

"Very respectfully,

"WM. D. GRESHAM."

"_To the Editor of the American Farmer:_

"Dear Sir:--Having had a fair opportunity of observing the
performance of Mr. Hussey's celebrated 'Reaper' on my farm last
season, under circumstances peculiarly calculated to test its
efficiency, I think it not inappropriate to bear my testimony in
its favor.

"I finished cutting my grain more than a week ago. The grain was
not only blown as flat as possible, but was tangled and twisted
together, and lying in every direction; so much so that it would
have been impossible to cut a large portion of it with the cradle.
No one who saw the field believed the machine could possibly
succeed.

"I take great pleasure in stating that its success was perfect and
entire. It cut and gathered the grain in the very worst spots
almost as well as that which was standing; and I was thus enabled
to mow my crop in about one-half the time the _old fashioned_
method would have required, thereby effecting a large pecuniary
gain. It cuts the grass as evenly and as close as the most expert
mower. I need scarcely say that I am perfectly satisfied with it.
I subscribe myself yours, etc.,

"AQUILLA TABOT."

"Alexandria, Va.,
"12 mo., 11, 1852.

"It gives me much pleasure to state that I have had in use on my
farm in Montgomery County, Md., for the past two seasons, one of
'Hussey's Reapers,' and its operation has given me _entire
satisfaction in every respect_. It appears to combine the three
qualities so important to the farmer, efficiency, durability and
economy. I can, with great sincerity, recommend its general
adoption.

"BENJAMIN HALLOWELL."

"_To Obed Hussey:_

"Dear Sir:--Having used one of your Reapers upon land, a great
deal of which was hilly, stony and rough, I take pleasure in
saying that it has given entire satisfaction, and proved to be a
very durable, well built, and great labor saving machine.

"Respectfully,

"A. B. DAVIS."

"Greenwood, Mont. Co., Md., Dec. 20, 1852."

"Pickaway County, O.,
"July 1, 1851.

"I made an experiment this season in my field of testing the
McCormick and Hussey Reapers. I tried each fairly and under
similar circumstances. I am satisfied that Hussey's is decidedly
the best Reaper, both as to cutting grain and durability. The
objections made to Hussey's Reaper by agents and manufacturers of
other machines I do not find, upon trial, to exist in any one
particular.

"WM. STAGE."

"We, the undersigned, present at the trial, concur in Mr. Stage's
statement: Z. Pritchett, John Reber, Philip Stuart, Isaac Stage,
John Hogeland, Michael Eyer."

"Salem Tp., Champaign Co., O.,
"July, 1851.

"I have worked with McCormick and Hussey's Reapers three seasons,
and unqualifiedly pronounce Hussey's the best machine. It cuts
cleaner and faster, and leaves the grain in better order on the
ground; and this is the opinion of every hand in giving an
expression of the comparative merits of the two machines.

"THOS. OUTRAM."

"Union Township, Champaign County, O.,
"July, 1851.

"I have for the past four seasons worked Hussey's Reaper, and
unhesitatingly pronounce it vastly superior to McCormick's or any
other Reaper I have seen used.

"WILLIAM T. ZOMBRO."

"Salem Township, Champaign County, O.,
"July, 1851.

"I have had Hussey's Reaper used on my farm. It will cut 20 acres
of the heaviest wheat per day, with ease. I consider it far
superior to the McCormick Reaper.

"JOSHUA BUFFINGTON."

"Ross County, Ohio,
"July, 1851.

"I have used Hussey's Reaper, and consider it an invaluable
machine. I have seen McCormick's Reaper operate, and am of opinion
that Hussey's is the best machine.

"D. M'CONNELL."

"Union Township, Champaign County, O.,
"August, 1851.

"I have used Hussey's Reaper for four years. I prefer it to every
other machine. I do not have to drive fast, and the raking is the
easiest work in the field.

"JOHN EARSOM."

"Salem Township, Champaign County, O.,
"August, 1851.

"I bought a Hussey Reaper this season, and it has given the best
satisfaction. I cut wheat that was down as badly as any I ever
saw. It operated well by driving in a slow walk. My hands would
rather rake than bind.

"JOHN LEE."

"Union Township, Champaign County, O.,
"July, 1851.

"I have used for five years Hussey's Reaper. It is a labor and
grain saving machine. It is a much better machine than
McCormick's, in several particulars; it is more substantial, not
so liable to injury, and will cut faster and cleaner. I cut this
season, with three horses, sixteen acres of heavy wheat, in five
hours and thirty minutes.

"REZIN C. WILSON."

"Bergen,
"September 1, 1851.

"This is to certify that I have for three seasons used one of
Hussey's Reaping Machines, which I purchased at the Genesee Seed
Store, and that it gives perfect satisfaction. I have cut my wheat
when it was very badly lodged, much faster, better and cheaper
than it could have been done in any other way. I had one of
McCormick's, but left it in the road, a useless article, as I
consider it, having tried for three years to use it without
success.

"I consider Hussey's machine just the thing for our farmers, and I
could not now, after having proved its merits, be induced to be
without one.

"NOAH WILSON."

With a few general remarks as to the reputation of Reaping Machines in England, and on the authority of the annexed English publications, we take leave of the subject.

At the trial for which the "Great Council Medal" was awarded, but which no practical farmer in this country would consider as any trial at all, being merely the attempt to cut a small space in green and wet grain, and during the temporary absence of Hussey, his machine was operated by ignorant laborers of the "Chrystal Palace," and who had never before seen a reaping machine.

This did not satisfy the English farmers; complaints were soon heard of injustice, partiality, and unfairness. It compelled C. H. McCormick or his agents to offer a challenge, which was promptly accepted by Hussey; and before the Cleveland Agricultural Society a tolerably fair trial was had of the rival machines, though neither the grain nor ground was then in a suitable state. For the decision of twelve prominent men and practical farmers we refer to the annexed English account for the complete triumph of the unmedalled machine.

In an interview with an extensive agricultural implement maker of Yorkshire--himself an inventor of many valuable implements, and to no small extent a rival--he spoke of Obed Hussey as a man who conferred honor on his own country; as well by his genius and talents, as by his integrity of character. This feeling was alike honorable to the gentleman who gave it expression, and just to an American citizen.

[Sidenote: Mr. Hussey's Distinction]

Obed Hussey is perhaps the only American who ever waved the "Stars and Stripes" on the soil of England [placed there, too, at different times, on his machine, by _Englishmen_] or who could do it without a strong feeling of envy and jealousy being engendered. Even Englishmen, jealous as they are known to be, viewed Hussey as a public benefactor, and his mission as one calculated either directly or indirectly to benefit all classes. Yet in his own country, which he has so signally benefited, he is compelled to supplicate for years, and as yet in vain, for rights, that others, with not a tithe of his claim and merit, but with more ample means perhaps, or more influential friends, succeed in obtaining. It is a reproach to the age and to the Halls of Legislation. When it was supposed this great invention was perfected in England, many years ago--though _not_ successful, as was subsequently proved--the _Nation_ took the matter in hand, and Parliament voted a reward to its author.

At the great Agricultural Exhibition for "Bath and the West of England," held at Plymouth in 1853, the _Plymouth Mail_ states: ["the interest and excitement created by the trial of Reaping Machines was very great, and the crowd of persons assembled to witness their performance was immense"]--that Hussey won the prize for Reaping, by acclamation, over all competitors--the only other American machine present, McCormick's included; and an eye witness states that three cheers were proposed for Mr. Hussey by Sir Thomas Ackland, the President, and member of Parliament, which was responded to by thousands, and without a dissenting voice; that his reaper was crowned with laurel by the Judges, and the "Stars and Stripes" waved in triumph twenty-five feet high over American ingenuity and enterprise on English soil.

Silver medal won by Mr. Hussey with the Reaper and his Steam Plough at New York in 1857.]

[Sidenote: A Mowing Machine as Well as a Reaper]

At this trial it was again demonstrated to the agriculturists of Great Britain by Obed Hussey [and not the first time, though he was the first to do it] that his machine would cut their grass quite as perfectly as their "corn." The _Mail_ goes on to say: "A mowing machine was so remote from the expectations and hopes of the Society, that no prize was offered for one; yet Mr. Hussey was prepared with a mowing machine, which was taken to an adjoining field of meadow grass and clover mixed. The people followed, but evidently with no expectation of being gratified. The machine mower was put in action, and to the admiration of every one, it cut the grass with an evenness and precision which is truly surprising, being more close and even than a scythe. The grass left behind the machine was quite evenly spread, and where it was not so, it lay so light and open that the use of the tending machine was scarcely necessary. The admiration of the truly astonishing performance was universal.

"The cutting the rye was looked for, but mowing the grass took every one by surprise. Thus a great desideratum has been achieved; the farmer has now only to gear up his horses and take a ride through his meadow, and his grass is cut."

Again, at the Royal Agricultural Society's Exhibition, held at Lincoln, the present season, the _Mark Lane Express_ states that Hussey's machine won the prize over all competitors; and admits that Bell's machine was "at last fairly beaten."

Is there an _American_ who can read these accounts who does not feel indebted to the man who, solely by his own perseverance and skill, has added lustre to his country's renown in the peaceful walks of life? If the same man, as a "warrior in hostile array," had raised the same flag in triumph on the same soil, how would his countrymen have rewarded him? Doubtless by a "vote of thanks by both Houses of Congress," together with a sword and gold medal, if not a monument in addition!

[Sidenote: A Peaceful Conquest]

Should not those be equally honored and rewarded by the Country, who are engaged in the arts and in agriculture; who devote their energies to add to the comfort and happiness of their fellow man, as those engaged in shedding blood, making widows and orphans to mourn for their untimely bereavement, and who literally for hire, not patriotism, and with the spirit demons, seek to slay and destroy?

We fully believe so; for fame and renown in arms are rarely or never acquired, except by entailing misery and distress on our fellow beings, and engendering the worst feelings and passions of our nature.

But we hope for the advent of better days; when, if the political sword is not literally beaten into a plough-share, and the partisan spear turned into a pruning hook, the inventive genius and talent of our countrymen shall be more aided and better rewarded by Government, in its praiseworthy efforts "for the diffusion of knowledge among men," in all that really ennobles the mind, and benefits the whole human family. Such, at least, is the earnest wish and desire of

A FARMER AND MECHANIC.

HUSSEY'S REAPING AND MOWING MACHINE IN ENGLAND

[Sidenote: An Unfair Disadvantage]

"In presenting the following pages for consideration of the farmers of the country, the subscriber has confined himself strictly to matters selected from English papers, which will speak for itself. As a short explanation from me will be looked for, I will merely state that at the trial in presence of the Exhibition Jury, Mr. McCormick's machine was operated by an experienced hand sent from the United States, while mine was managed by English laborers of the lower class, who were total strangers to it, and had never seen it in operation. The trial was made in unripe wheat on a rainy day. My machine was very improperly adjusted for the work and wrongly put together, in consequence of which the ignorant raker failed to deliver the sheaves, and it stopped as a matter of course, and was immediately laid aside, after cutting but a few feet. My machine was never tried in presence of that Jury by any other hands, or in any other condition, myself not being in England.

"It was on such a trial that the Exhibition medal was disposed of, and with what justice the reader can judge by reading the following pages. On my arrival in England I took my machine into the field that it might work its way into public favor as it best could. After being exhibited in several places, its rising fame appeared to produce some effect, as it will appear by the following in the _Windsor and Eaton Express_ of November 8, 1851:

"Alluding to the astonishing and unexpected performance of my Reaper, it says: '_By this unlooked for turn of events, the proprietors of McCormick's machine found that their supremacy was no longer undisputed, and that the necessity was laid upon them to look to their laurels; they therefore came boldly forward, and threw down the gauntlet!_'

[Sidenote: How McCormick Received a Medal]

"That farmers who are acquainted with my reaper may understand why it failed to perform well in the hands of strangers at the Exhibition trial where McCormick got the medal, it will be necessary for me to say that when the machine was sent from Baltimore it was set to cut high. That when the inexperienced hands undertook to make it cut low, they pitched down the cutters by putting on the tongue, not knowing any other way to lower it. In doing so the hind part of the platform was of course raised high. In this condition the unpracticed raker failed to push the heavy wet wheat off up an inclined plane; and as a matter of course the machine choaked, and for the same reason that a mill will choak when the corn goes in faster than the meal comes out. A skillful hand would have lowered the cut at the axle of the machine, and brought the platform horizontal or lowest at the rear, as it should be in cutting wet grain.

"The following pages will show the result, the authenticity of which, if doubted, will be proved by the production of the originals in my possession.

"OBED HUSSEY.

"Baltimore, Md., Jan. 1, 1852."

From the Hull [England] Advertiser, September 5, 1851.

"At the annual meeting on Mr. Mechi's Farm at Tiptree Heath, a few weeks ago, a brief report of which appeared in the Hull Advertiser at the time, several reaping machines were tested, the result then being that one manufactured and invented by Mr. McCormick, of America, was the only one which was considered to have done its work properly. Amongst those tried was one invented and manufactured by Mr. O. Hussey, Baltimore, Md. (U. S.) which, in the opinion of gentlemen then present, did not fully accomplish the object in view. It should, however, be mentioned, that while Mr. McCormick's machine had on that trial the advantage of the superintendence of persons intimately acquainted with its mechanism, and who had been accustomed to the working of the machine for some years, Mr. Hussey's invention was (in the absence of the inventor) in the hands of persons entirely unacquainted with the proper mode of working it. Since then Mr. Hussey himself has come over to England in order to superintend his machine, and the result has been that it is now brought out to receive a thorough trial of its merits.

"The trial of Wednesday, however, was the best. It took place in a field belonging to Mr. Coskill, Grovehill Lane, Beverly. There was assembled during the day a great number of farmers and gentlemen interested in agriculture, who witnessed the trial with great interest.

"The wheat in this case was very much 'laid;' indeed in many places it was almost flat on the ground. It therefore afforded one of the best opportunities for judging of the capabilities of the machine under disadvantageous circumstances that could possibly occur.

"On the whole, the conclusion come to was that the reaping was done as well by machine as by hand. No one doubted for a moment that it would cut corn well where it was standing; but some farmers thought it would not equal the scythe where the corn was laid. The result, however, showed the contrary, and every person acknowledged that it had succeeded admirably. After cutting a large quantity of wheat, the machine was taken into another field, and after a slight alteration, set to work to cut clover. We understand that on the day before previous to coming to Hull, it had been tried on clover and cut it extremely well.

[Sidenote: Winning Its Own Way]

"As the machine cut along it was followed closely by groups of farmers striving hard to find flaws in its performance. But they could not. On the contrary, in those places where the corn was most 'laid,' and where, consequently, the greatest difficulty must occur in the cutting, the manner in which the reaper did its work elicited their loudest approbation. 'Why,' said one burly old gentleman by our side, 'a man with a scythe could never cut it like that.' 'It is wonderful,' said another.

From the Morning Advertiser, September 12, 1851.

"On Monday last, the public trial of Hussey's patent Reaping Machine took place with the permission of his Grace, the Duke of Marlborough, on his Grace's estate of Blenheim, near Woodstock, Oxfordshire, and also, on the adjoining one of Mr. Southern, one of the most considerable landed proprietors of the country. A large assemblage of the Agriculturists of the highest class attracted by the celebrity which this ingenious and efficient contrivance has acquired for itself in a course of successful experiments performed last week in Yorkshire, were present to witness the trial, mostly from Oxfordshire and the adjoining counties, but many from a considerable distance, and all of them concurred in the most ready acknowledgments of its advantages.

[Sidenote: The Duke of Marlborough's Test]

"The reaping commenced at 11 o'clock in the barley field, the machine being drawn by two fine chestnut horses, lent by his Grace for the purpose of the experiment, in which he took the deepest interest, following the reaper in a car, and watching with evident satisfaction, the ease and rapidity with which the blades cut down the golden produce of the field. The crop was by no means one calculated to favor the experiment. On the contrary, some of it was down and much laid. It was cut down, however, with great regularity and speed, and the general evenness of the stubble was the subject of general remark. As the machine passed on, hewing its way at a smart pace through the dense mass of stalks, the crowd of eager observers rushed after it, and many were the cheers with which it was welcomed. Occasionally, to satisfy the ideas of the more fastidious, the level of the cutters was changed, so as to leave a greater or less length of stubble, and it was evident to all that in this respect the machine was susceptible of the nicest adjustment. Some times at the end of a turn it was rested to give the farmers an opportunity of inspecting it, which they seemed never tired of doing, and then it was turned round at right angles to cut in the cross direction. In the experiments upon barley, it showed itself capable of reaping the enormous space of fifteen acres, which we believe is from eight to nine times the power of the most vigorous and skillful reaper. Afterwards the machine was taken into a large field of clover, which it cut to within two inches of the ground, and with still greater rapidity.

"His Grace repeatedly expressed his admiration of the powers of the apparatus, and congratulated some of the agricultural gentlemen present with him on the prospects of greater economy and security in harvesting which it afforded them. These opinions were generally entertained upon the ground, and yesterday at Bishop's Startford, in Hartfordshire, the farmers of that part of the country witnessed a similar experiment, attended with results precisely similar, and which gave them the same satisfaction."

The following testimonial was given by the Duke of Marlborough:

"Tuesday, September 9th, 1851.

"Having yesterday witnessed the working of the American Reaping Machine, patented by Mr. Hussey, and being requested to give my opinion upon its execution, I state that it performed its work admirably, laying the corn when cut very neatly for tying up, and leaving the stubble very regular.

"MARLBOROUGH."

Following upon these various successes, an advertisement from the proprietors of McCormick's Machine appeared in the public papers, as follows:

MR. M'CORMICK'S AMERICAN REAPER

[Sidenote: The Challenge]

"Public Challenge to Makers and Venders of Reaping Machines: We, the undersigned, agents for Mr. McCormick, having observed sundry advertisements and circulars complaining of the decision of the Jurors of the Great Exhibition of 1851 in favor of Mr. McCormick's Reaper, and of the reports given in the public journals of the trials which led to such decision, do hereby give notice to Messrs. Wm. Dray & Co., Messrs. Garrett & Son, Mr. O. Hussey, and all other makers and venders of Reaping Machines whatsoever, that M'CORMICK'S Reaper will be tried at the Cleveland Society's Show at Marton, Middlesbrough, near Stockton-on-Tees, on the 25th inst., and publicly CHALLENGE them or any of them, to meet us there, with their machines, for the purpose of a comparative trial of the respective merits of each, to be determined by the Chairman and Council of the Cleveland Society, or by such Judge or Judges as the said Society may appoint. BURGESS & KEY, 103 Newgate Street, London."

The Challenge was immediately accepted.

MR. HUSSEY'S AMERICAN REAPER

[Sidenote: The Acceptance]

"In answer to an advertisement which appeared in the Times of the 18th, from Messrs. Burgess & Key, giving us a PUBLIC CHALLENGE to a TRIAL of the AMERICAN REAPING MACHINES, we hereby announce that we shall willingly ACCEPT the SAME, and on the 25th inst. we shall be prepared at the Cleveland Society's Show, Marton, Middlesborough, near Stockton-on-Tees, to prove to the Agricultural World the superiority of HUSSEY'S REAPER for general farming purposes. We stipulate, however, that the Machines shall be tested, not only on a particular patch of good upstanding grain, where they might, perhaps, prove equal, but on an average variety of conditions, as to short and laid corn, etc., such as the farmer will usually meet with. Its capabilities for cutting green crops, such as clover, etc., shall also be proved. It must be evident to the Farming Public that the Reaping Machine which will cut a crop of the greatest variety and difference of condition must possess the greatest merit. WM. DRAY & CO., Agricultural Warehouse, Swan-Lane, London Bridge."

Accordingly the matter was arranged, and the following gentlemen were called upon to act as jurors:

Henry Stephen Thompson, Esq., of Moat Hall, _Foreman_; Mr. Wm. Lister of Dunsa Bank; Mr. Jno. Booth of Killerby; Mr. John Parrington, of Brancepeth; Mr. Wm. Wetherell, of Kirkbridge, Darlington; Mr. Robert Hymers, of Marton; Mr. Christopher Cobson, Linthorpe; Mr. Robert Fawcitt, of Ormsby; Mr. Joseph Parrington, of Cross Beck; Mr. John Outhwaite, of Bainesse; Mr. Geo. Reed, Hutton Lowcross; Mr. Thomas Phillips, of Helmsley, and Mr. Thomas Outhwaite, of Bainesse.

The following were the conditions to be submitted by the representatives of the respective machines:

The machines to be tried on wheat and barley in such order, and for such lengths of time, as the jurymen may direct. The jury to have full power to use any means they deem advisable in order to put the machines to the severest trial. The jury in deciding on the merits of the two machines, to take into their consideration:

[Sidenote: Conditions of the Contest]

1st. Which of the two cuts corn in the best manner.

2d. Which of the two causes the least waste.

3d. Which of the two does the most work in a given time.

4th. Which of the two leaves the corn in the best order for gathering and binding.

5th. Which of the two is the best adapted for the ridge and furrow.

6th. Which of the two is the least liable to get out of order.

7th. Which of the two at first cost is least price.

8th. Which of the two requires the least amount of horse labor.

9th. Which of the two requires the least amount of manual labor.

As no report was made of the trial on the first day, the following may be relied upon:

From the Gateshead Observer, September 27, 1851.

"It was curious to see on the soil of a Cleveland farm two implements of agriculture lying side by side in rivalry, respectively marked, 'McCormick, inventor, Chicago, Illinois,' 'Hussey, inventor, Baltimore, Maryland'--America competing with America, on English soil.

"Mr. Hussey led off. An attempt was made to keep back the eager crowd; but their curiosity was irrepressible; they flocked in upon the machine so that the experiment could not be properly performed, nor could the jury duly discharge their duties. P. C. Thompson did his very best; he was all but everywhere at once; but what avails a police force, _one_ strong, against a concourse of Yorkshire yeomanry and clowns? It was requisite that he should have recruits, and a body of self-elected 'specials' came to his aid, who succeeded in procuring approach to a clear course. Mr. Hussey then took his seat anew, and his machine cut down a breadth of wheat from end to end of the field. It seemed to us to do its work neatly and well. The wheat was cleverly delivered from the teeth of the reaper, and handed over to the binders by the rake."

To William Dray and Company.

"Stockton-on-Tees, September 27th, 1851.

"Sir--Having been in communication with you relative to the trial of your Reaper against McCormick's, and feeling deeply interested in the introduction of the new implement into this district, particularly one of so much importance as a Reaping Machine, I think it is not probably out of place in me if I give you the result of my observations during the two trials which have taken place. From the fact that McCormick's Machine obtained the prize at the Great Exhibition (though I do not _pin my faith_ upon awards made by Agricultural and other societies) the letter of Mr. Pusey's, in the _Royal Agricultural Society's Journal_, the various newspaper reports, etc., etc., it was natural for me to be predisposed in favor of McCormick's Machine; indeed Mr. M. had a prestige in his favor, which of course operated against the 'Little Hussey.' Previous to starting, at Marton, on Thursday, the gentlemen representing McCormick's machine expressed themselves desirous of testing the machines early in the morning when the dew was on, believing that their machine would cut the grain under such circumstances, and that yours would not. Well, on Thursday we had a deluge rain, the surface of the land was very soft, and the corn very wet. Everybody there was astonished to see your machine brought up the field at a trot, cutting its way to the admiration of all present; it not only cut _to_ the leaning corn, but it cut cross over the corn leaning to the left of the postillion (I presume I must call him). McCormick's machine then _attempted_ to start (he made two or three attempts) but the attendant confessed it was impossible to do so. That there might be no mistake about it, your representatives proposed that their machines should go up again; the jury said 'No! we are satisfied that your machine can cut it under the present circumstances,' and so ended Thursday's trial."

From the Gateshead Observer, October 4.

"We left the members and friends of this society, on Friday, the 26th ult. on the Show-ground at Middlesbrough, immersed in rain. The scene now shifts to the Townhall, where, in a handsome and spacious apartment, we find them assembled in the evening, to dinner, to the number of 150, with the Earl of Zetland in the chair, and in the vice-chair Mr. John Vaughan, of the firm of Bolckow & Vaughan, iron-masters and manufacturers. His lordship was supported by the Rev. W. F. Wharton, of Birmingham, and Messrs. J. T. Wharton, Henry Pease, G. D. Trotter, Isaac Wilson, George Coates, J. W. Pease, George Reade, John Pierson, etc.; and the vice-chair by Messrs. C. Dryden, W. Fallows, R. Chilton, etc. In the body of the hall were the leading inhabitants of the town and neighborhood; also, Mr. Burgess and Mr. Samuelson (who had come to the meeting with Mr. McCormick's reaping machine), Mr. Hussey, the inventor of the reaper which bears his name, and Mr. Pierce and Mr. Stevens (on the part of Messrs. Dray & Co., agents for Mr. Hussey).

"On the removal of the cloth, the noble Chairman (behind whose seat was inscribed on the wall in conspicuous characters, 'Success to the Cleveland Agricultural Society--Eighteenth Anniversary') gave the customary loyal toasts, and took occasion to observe that had it not been for the Exhibition of Industry, projected by Prince Albert, the 'Reaping Machine,' from which he anticipated great benefits to agriculture, would not have been introduced into this country. (Applause.)

"The Earl of Zetland again referred to the reaping machine. Such an aid to agriculture, his lordship observed, was needed in Cleveland and elsewhere.

"Mr. J. T. Wharton, of Skelton Castle, said he had never witnessed so much enthusiasm in an agricultural district as was displayed in connection with the reaping machine. Had the day been fine the number of spectators present yesterday (Thursday) would have been at least fourfold what it was. Bad as the weather was, not only was there a large muster of members of the society, but 803 persons, many of them from a considerable distance, paid sixpence each for admission to the ground. The trial of the rival machines was, unfortunately, so short, and conducted under such adverse circumstances, that it was impossible to pronounce any opinion as to their relative merits; but what he saw of Hussey's was as satisfactory as he could expect. (Applause.)

"Mr. George Reade, of Hutton Lowcross, said, had it not been for the boisterous weather, the receipts of the Society at Ormesby and Middlesbrough would have been marvelous. As it was, there was a large assemblage to witness the trial of the American reaping machines, and they were regarded with an anxious desire that they might succeed. Indeed, let any ingenious mechanic--he cared not whether he was English, Scotch, Irish, American or German--come before a jury of the farmers of Cleveland with an implement or machine for the improvement of Agriculture, and it would be judged with candor, impartiality and uprightness, and the inventor should go home satisfied that he had experienced fair play. (Applause.)

"Mr. Isaac Wilson proposed the health of 'The Strangers.' To those gentlemen the members were greatly indebted for their attendance. Had the weather permitted, they would all have experienced much pleasure from an inspection of the celebrated reaping machines in action, and the ingenious draining plough of Mr. Fowler, which did him very much credit. (The toast was drank with musical honors.)

"Mr. Pierce, the representative of Dray & Co., being called upon to respond, rose and said, bad as the weather had been, he had been delighted with his visit to Middlesbrough. The kindness of the inhabitants soon made him no stranger. He was not four and twenty hours in the place before he fraternized with the whole parish. (Laughter.) He rejoiced that Mr. Hussey's reaping machine was now in the hands of a jury of Cleveland farmers. It would have a fair, honest, impartial trial; and what more could an Englishman desire. (Applause.) He thanked the company for the honor which they had conferred upon their visitors from a distance, and wished continued success to their flourishing society. (Applause.)

[Sidenote: Mr. Hussey's Toast to England]

"Mr. Hussey was next called upon, and said that he had for many years been building machines in America. If he had had the least idea of the interest which England would take in the reaping of crops by machinery, it would have been a difficult thing to keep him on the other side of the Atlantic; and he knew not, now, after the reception which he had met with, how he should ever get home again. (Applause and laughter.)

"Mr. Steevens, Dray & Co.'s engineer, was also called upon to rise, and stated that his employers had purchased Mr. Hussey's machine because they saw it to be the best, and they would meet every competitor in the three kingdoms, fearless of the result. (Cheers.)

"[It should be stated that Messrs. Fowler, Burgess, Samuelson,[9] etc., had by this time left the hall, and therefore could not be called upon.]

[9] McCormick's agents.

"Mr. Parrington, having read the award, announced that a second trial of McCormick's and Hussey's reaping machines would be made, if the weather were favorable, on the following morning (Saturday), at 9 o'clock, at Mr. Fawcitt's farm. The jury, appointed by the committee, would give no opinion on the trial of the previous day (Thursday). That would go for nothing. They would devote the whole of next day, if necessary, to a full, fair, and satisfactory trial of the two machines. (Applause.)

"On Saturday morning, the weather was so far favorable that there was no rain. The trial, therefore, took place. There was a numerous gathering of land-owners, farmers, laborers, etc., but not so crowded a muster as to obstruct the experiment.

"The foreman of the jury, Mr. Thompson, being unavoidably absent, his place was supplied by the Rev. W. F. Wharton, of Birmingham. Messrs. Lister, Outhwaite, (J. and T. P.) Booth, Wetherell, Phillips, and Dobson, were also absent. Their places were filled by Mr. William Morley, Dishforth; Mr. Thomas Parrington, Marton; Mr. J. T. Wharton, Shelton Castle; Mr. Wm. Hill, Staunton; Mr. Joseph Coulson, Sexhow; Mr. Joseph Harrison, White House; Mr. John Mason Hopper, Marton.

"The trial commenced in a level enclosure, adjoining the road from Stockton and Middlesbrough to Ormesby Hall (the residence of Sir Wm. Pennyman, Bart.). The wheat was laid. We have seen a crop in worse condition, but not often. The straw was damp and soft. The soil was loamy and light, and the field free from wet; it was to Mr. Fawcitt's credit that he was able to place such a field at the service of the society under the circumstances; still, the earth was in a state to clog the wheels of the reapers. Altogether, the test was a severe one for the competitors. Mr. Samuelson, Mr. Burgess, and Mr. D. C. Mackenzie (the son of an emigrant from Ivernesse) were in charge of Mr. McCormick's machine. The other was in the hands of the inventor himself, Mr. Hussey, and of Mr. Pierce and Mr. Steevens (who represented the agents, Messrs. Dray & Co.)

"The Rev. Mr. Wharton (the jury, competitors, etc., having gathered round him on the field, on Saturday morning) announced that after the lapse of an hour, when the corn would be in such a condition that Mr. Fawcitt, as he had just said, would, under ordinary circumstances, reap it himself, the trial would commence.

"The question was, now, which of the two machines should begin. A 'toss' gave the chance to Mr. Pierce, and he requested Mr. Burgess to lead off.

"McCormick's machine then got into action, taking the crop in the most favorable manner--that is, leaning toward the knife. Passing along the field (which was from two to three hundred yards in length) it cut down a breadth of little more than four feet. The corn being laid, the flier, of course did not come into practical operation; nor was it necessary that it should do so--the elements having already done its work. The corn was well cut--the stubble a little too high.

"Another breadth or two having been cut, Hussey's machine followed, and cut some breadths--somewhat wider than McCormick's, and closer to the ground.

"Mackenzie, when we pointed out the shorter stubble of his rival, admitted the fact, but said there would be no difficulty--not the slightest--in bringing Mr. McCormick's knife nearer to the ground. In America, however, where the straw is comparatively of little or no value, the stubble is no object, and there are some advantages in cutting high.

"A backer of McCormick's machine (and many bets have been laid on the two machines) urged that Hussey's would spoil clover when going among wheat. The reply was, that Hussey's knife could be raised or depressed at pleasure.

"The next test was cutting the crop across ridge and furrow, so that the corn was lying neither to nor from the knife, but sidewise. Both the machines cut the corn under these circumstances--Hussey's the cleaner of the two.

"The jury then required the experiment to be made along the field, with the corn lying from the knife.

"Mr. Hussey consented, and the machine succeeded in cutting the corn--leaving a tolerable stubble, but not so short and regular as before.

"McCormick's machine was then tried, and failed. As it scoured over the corn, making sad havoc, there were loud cries of 'Stop! stop! you're wasting it!'

"Barley was next cut, with much the same result. In this case, Mr. Hussey adjusted his platform for discharging the corn at the side.

[Sidenote: Hussey Wins 6 to 4]

"The binders being summoned before the jury, and asked which of the two machines they preferred, so far as their particular department was concerned, decided, 4 for McCormick's, 6 for Hussey's.

"Clover was now to be tried, but at this stage of the proceedings we left the field. Clover-cutting, we should state, formed no part of the competition. The agreement merely refers to wheat and barley. McCormick's machine is not intended for clover-cutting; but some of the land owners and farmers were anxious to see clover cut by Hussey's machine. Mr. Thompson, we understand, had requested his proxy to have the experiment made. We were told on the ground that the machine had already been tried on clover at Newport, near Middlesbrough, and 'cut it well--if the weather had been dry it would have cut it beautifully.'

"It was pleasant to mark the anxiety and watchfulness of the gentlemen in charge of the two machines. Mr. McCormick suffered no loss from his absence, he was so admirably represented; and in Messrs. Pierce and Steevens, Dray & Co. had invaluable agents--on the Thursday in particular, when a storm, which ravaged land and sea, could not deter them or Mr. Hussey, from practically attesting the reaper's prowess in the field. The trial, throughout, was conducted with a fidelity to self which would not throw a point away, and a courtesy to rivals which should ever mark honorable competition."

From a Correspondent.