.W72 Copy 1 STEAM PLOWING-. DESCRIPTION OF THE OPERATIONS WILLIAMSON ;\oad Meamer and ^team ; Jlow, Seed Farm of Messrs. Dayid Laiidretli & Son Bloomsdale, Near Bristol, Pa. ID _ 3D . AA7" I L XjI ^^ im: s o jsr ^No. 3S2 Bi'oaclway. Meto Dork : 3IcDoNAj,D Bros, et Dili.oxt, Printei'.s and Stationers No. .5 Park Place. is::i STEAM PLOWING. DESCRIPTION OF THE OPERATIONS '^/^, WILLIAMSON oad ^teamer and ^team : ]low, M Farm of Messrs. Dayi^ Landretli & Son, Bloomsdale, near Bristol. Pa . , KTC, KTC, KTO. This Steamer and Plow has received the first prize, cousihtiiig of Gt)ld Medaln or Diplo- mas, at every Fair at whieh it has been exliibited. ID- ID. 'WXlL.X^XJ^l^/LSOlSr^ A^<.>. 3 a Broadway, ieb lorfj. No. ^^^2 'Broadway, New Yokk, December, 1872. rn HE principal object of tliis Paiuplilet is to present to those I wlio are interested in the subject of Steam Cultivation, the opinions of a number of gentlemen well known as advanced agriculturists, who, having no interest whatever in tlie system employed, have printed simply what they saw, and the con- clusions they formed after witnessing the operation of a Wil- liamson Steam Plow at Bloomsdale. In the following pages will be found all that has l)een printed on these trials, whether favorable or otherwise. The opinion of a gentleman so widely and favorably known as David Landreth, Esq., formed after actually riding npon the Steam Plow day after day as it crossed liis beautiful lields, and watching the thoroughness and celerity with which it worked, is alone of immense value to those who have been anxiously waiting for a Steam Plow adapted to American iields. Another object in collecting and publishing these articles, is to distinctly connect the name of Landreth v/itli the earliest practical working of Direct Traction Steam Plows in thiscoun- tr}', as well as to perpetuate the remembranceof a most enjoy- able day, when a gathering of notable men came to examine critically the Steam Plow, and to enjoy the bountifid hospital- ity of Bloomsdale. That the English system of Rope Traction is considered as not adapted to this countr}^ is amply proved by the fact that the import duty on these Plows has been removed, and for the past two years they could be landed here at an advance of only about .s250 to $300 on their cost in England, and yet none have been imported. Their best results have been published, and are well understood by our intelligent Farmers, but the conviction has ever been strong that the American Steam Plow must consist of a light, powerful steamer, drawing a gang of easily managed Plows behind it. Thanks to Mr. Thomson, of Scotland, his rubber-tired Road Steamer has given the cue from which, after successive improvements and radical alterations, the Williamson Road Steamer has been perfected, and this motor, witli tlje AVilliamson Ga.ng Plow behind it, has now proved itself capable of plowing, with reasonable economy, all land in fair (condition, which is adapted to Steam Cultivation. The failures in plowing by direct traction in England liavc simply proved that their heavy rigid-tired Tractioii Engin(\'^ and cnmbersome Plows were entii<>ly unsiiited to the work. As well n)ight an attempt be made to navigate our shallow rivers with tlieir magnilicent ocean steamers. Nor are the Williamson Engines to be confounded with the Road Steamers built by the Licens(^es of Mr. Thomson, in Great Britain (of which about 150 have been constructed), as they are radically different in many points which are vital in Steam Plowing, and which are the result of much actual experience in the field. In addition to the accounts of tlu^ Bloomsdalc trials, tlu>re are added a few extracts from dilfcM-ent uewspap(3rs, showing what the Williamson Steamers and Plows have been doing in. othei- parts of the country. Believing that the Steam Plow is to play an impoitantpart in the development of our country, tlu; publishing of this Pamphl(;t may prove a not unimpoi-tiiut contribution to its I). D. Williamson. PLO^VING^ BY STEAM. To the Eonon ^' PiiiLADELPiirA Pukss :" The numerous inquiries addi'essed us in respect to steam plowing by direct traction, as opposed to the more cumbrous and costly 'Slouble engine and rope system," inducers us to request space for a few remarks, which may interest j)arties Avho desire information as to our experiments at Bloomsdalc. Tlu^ engine used by us mainly, is the three- wheeled, rubber-tired, of Thomson, of Scotland, improved greatly by Willlamsorj, of ]^f^ew York, the Amiiiican patentee, and sole builder in this country : one with four wlieels, the drivers being fitted with rubber tire, (also by the same party) lias been ex])eri7nented with, but the iirst named excited most interest, and 2'>robab]y will be generally pi-eferred ; though ■the latter has some good points which are not to be over- looked. In this communication, we shall confine ourselves, however, to the three-wheeled engine, the special advantages of which are fully set forth in various publications on the subject to whicli the reader is referred. Our experiments were commenced in August, of the present year, under the direction of an aid of Mr. \Villiamson, who though not a professional engineer, was quite an ex])ert in mechanics ; he ])r()ved to be ever ready to acknowledge minor defects as they were exhibited from time to time, and prompt in a desire to amend them. At first some difficulty ^vas found in steering the engine, so 5is to have each furrow-swarth regularly and uniformly lap the preceding, but a little practice overcame the inclination to vary from the in'o^x^r line. The Williamson Plow is a gang of five or six plows (five being principally used), of steel, and are affixed to an oblique rigid l)eam, so inclined as to cause each furrow slice to fall into its proper place, and with levers so adjusted as to run the plows to the desired depth, say eight inches, as in our trials, though a shallower or deeper depth may be adopted at pleasure. Each plow turns a slice of fourteen inches, and when five only are used, the breadth simultaneously turned is nearly six feet. The speed usually exceeds that of mules or horses when engaged in plowing, and we have, without difficulty, accomplished an acre an hour. With greater experience and proper facilities for suj^plying fuel and water, there is little room to doubt eight acres a day, with full allowance for detentions and stoppages, may be set down as an average result. Indeed, we hope, with increased practice, and the more thorough removal of obstructions, to exceed that area. It is not, however, from the plows that we look for the most important results, but from an implement, termed by the English a "bi-eaker,'' which is simply a series of iron coul- ters or sub-soilers, so arranged on a frame as to cover a breadth of inne fei^t, Avhich, as it offers less resistance than plows, moves Avith greater facility, and prepares many acres a day. This breaker is designed at one operation, to disintegrate and pulverize the surface soil, and also disturb the hard pan below — it may be months after it has been plowed — and with a harrow attachment used simultaneously, leave tlie surface smooth and ready for seeding. Practical men can at once perceive the advantage of this process. In our own culture, with five hundred or more acres to pre- pare for seeding, if possible betwixt the opening of spring and lirst of May ensuing, it may be difficidt to estimate its value, especially as we propose to execute the plowing in autumn, and earl}^ winter — only using tlie breaker and harrow in spring to lighten up and further disintegrate the soil. Such, it is certain, ma}" be a profitable practice in the preparation of oat and corn lands, and also empliatically so with the exhaust- ed cotton lands of the South, allowing the plant as it were, to revel in fresh pastures ; and with an imperfect Icnowledge of rice culture, ol)tained by casual observation, we do not hesitate to say, the Williamson Traction Engine and Bi'eaker is des- tined to recover our almost abandoned interest in that crop. Not only will cropping be thus fa(;ilitated, but if the experi- ence of our Englisli brethren be conlirmed here, of wliich there can be no doubt, enlarged products will attend the more thorougli tillage which steam power ma}'^ enable us to practice. We do not ])ur])ose, on this occasion, to enter into details as to the relative cost of musc/ular, animal, and st(^am plow- ing, but we may say, that if with steam eight aci-es a day can be counted on as an average day's })lowing, and twice that number with the bi'eaker, there iivahI be no question as to its economy on large plantations ; nobody, it is presumed, imag- ines steam is adapted to the tillage." of small farms, except through a system of co-operation among farmers. It is hardly necessary to say that, in addition to plowing, the Williamson Steamer will be of great service in hauling farm produce and manure, threshing grain, sawing wood, gi'inding fertilizers, and in many similar employments, which the progressive farmer must adopt in self defence. David Landketii & Son. Bloomsdale, near Phihidelphia, December, 1873. Having been fortunate enough to receive an invitation from the Messrs. Landreth to be one of a company of agricul- turists called together at Bloomsdale, on the 8th of ISovem- ber, to witness the working of the Williamson Road and Field Engine, I am induced to make certain notes of that remarkable exhibition of a new application of steam, and the reflections incited thereby. The engin(^ in question, is one made on a plan originally designed by Mr. Thomson, a Scottish civil engineer, but built andlmproved by D. D. Williamson, Esq., of 32 Broadway, New York, the American patentee and sole manufacturer in the United States. The complete engine weighs between six and seven tons when ready for work, and is capable of exert- ing a force of eighteen or twenty horse power. It is supported upon two large driving wheels, and upon a third and smaller wheel in front, used for steering. The total length of the en- gine^is thirteen feet, and width under seven feet. The boiler i^3 made of steel, and is an upright tubular, thirty-four inches in diameter, fixed between the driving wheels, which are five fe*4. in diameter, and fourteen inches broad. In front of the boiler are two cylinders, six by ten inches, other machinery and steering gear," all in charge, and immediately under the eye of the engineer. Back of the boiler are the coal boxes, fur- nace, and ]ilatform for fireman, who is charged Avith the care of the plow or Avagon train. The construction of the various parts of the engine is, although very perfect, not particular^-; remarkable, the novelty of the machine being in the number and arrangement of its wheels, and in their construction, which enables it'^to be tui-ned in less space than that required for a carriage, and distributes its weight u]ion the ground over a broad surface. The wheels of all successful self-propelling engines were, before the introduction of the Thomson wheel, and (excepting the one in question^ are yet made with rigid iron tire, which n<:'cessitates the appli<'ation of diggers upon the peripherv, to give them sufficient grip on the ground to prevent slipping— These "diggers," although not so objectionable on the farm, are decidedly so on hard roads, as the Avorks are injured hy the (^.on- tinual jar, the machine walking, as it Avere, on stilts ; and the road if good, is seriously cut up. (The Williamson Avheel has also provision for "diggers," but they are seldom required.) But the ap])lication by Mr. Thomson of a rubber tire four and a half inches thick, and tAvelve inches broad, not only overcomes this difficulty through its elasticity, bnt, by the weight of the engine, the rubber is flattened out as the Avlieels revolve, thus increasing the bearing surface upon the ground from less than one hundred square inches (as it would be with an inflexible tire), to six hundred square inches with the rubb^^r. 6 It is in this increase of bearing-surface where the rubber- tired engine has its advantage over all others, and the ad van - taige is two-fold — first, giving the machine such a tenacious grip upon the ground that it is ])ropelled forward under circumstances when the wheels of an engine of smooth, rigid tires, would revolve without effect ; and secondly, in distrib- uting the weight to such an extent that the pressure per square inch is not greater than that of a horse's foot, as can readily be perceived by examining soft land over whicli it iias passed. These rubber tires are of vulcanized material, exi)ressly prepared for this purpose, and have been thoroughly tested in Scotland, where numbers of engines are in use, the tires of which remain in a good state of preservation, after having pas- sed over many thousands of miles. The better way, however, to desmil^e its wonderfid capac- ity, is to state what we saw it do at Bloonisdah^, tlie noted seed-farm of Messrs. 1). Landretli & Son, near Pliiladelphia, (an estate of six hundred aci-es, as level as a pralri(\ and witJi- oiit an obstructing fence, ditcli or tree ; thus admirably adapt- ing it to the use of just such a machine as wt; theie saw in operation.) The company there assembled, although tliey had all seen other traction and plowing engines at home ai d abroad, wen^ amazed at the performn nces of tliis little steamer, and freely gave way to exclamations of delight as one after another of its powei's were exhibited. It hrst ran at a rate of eight or nine miles an hour, up and down a long wagon road, and then into a court-yard where it almost as readil}'' pirouetted round and round, backward and forward, as freely as coidd an expei'ienced i)e]-foriner on a velocipede. Then up and down, forward and ba(;kward, start- ing and stopping on a long embanknuMit, leading to thci upj)er floors of an elevated stone barn, and on whicli the grade was about one in five. Then it was attached to two fai'm wagons, which, when filled with about thirty persons, it drew at a rate of six miles an hour, a distance of two miles, around a portion of the e^state, over a stony turnpike, a sandy road, a (;lay head-land, twice up and over a railroad, up and down various grades, and through mud and mire, the rain having fallen in torrents the day before, rendering these tests all the nior;' difficult. Next it connected witli a gang of plows, and drawing them to tlie field, entered upon its severest trial, but without liesi- tation. The order was given to go forward, when away it went, tiu-ning with live large, steel plows, running seven inches deep, a swarth of six^ feet in breadth, of very stiff blue-grass sod, the growth of many years. Puff, puff, puff, went the «'ngine, and if the company had followed it around the held as rapidly as it moved, they would have puffed as well, for it delayed not, but turning out as it successively arrived at the ends of the field, re-entered without stopping, and in less time than a minute, and so on continuously, until the company were fully assured of its almost fabulous power and capacity. We were told by Mr, Landretli, that it had repeatedly and consecutively turned with the plows, out and in at headlands, in thirty seconds, the widtJi of headlands being twenty-foui- feet. The practice at Bloomsdale, when preparing a field for steam plowing, is to mark out a headland eight yards in width at each end, and a strip of the same width on each side, and when the field is finished to plow around the belt, thus break- ing up the entire area without difficulty. Upon this occasion the plows reversed j'z^'e liiindred cuhic IricJies of soil for every inch of forward movement, but we were told that the engine had drawn the plows quite readily when running twelve inches deep, theni^'Yeviimg ei(/7d ku?idred a/nd sixty cuhic inches for every inch of forward movement, al- though the difficulties of plowing increase in a greater ratio with an increase of de])th than with an increase of width, which fact is not generally considered when making com23arisons in plowing. From my observations of the da}', which were thorough and decisive, I conclude that the Williamson Steamer, as a roadster, is so rapid in its movements, so powerful in direct traction, so well adapted to driving machinery by means of belting, and in all situations so easily handled and so unlike- ly, fitted as it is with an improved spftrk-arrester, to fire build- ings, even when placed immediately alongside of them, that it may be safely said there is scar(;ely a limit to its use. On the farm to plow, to haul manure, to thrash, to saw wood, to grind corn, cut fodder and hay, and steam the mix- ture for stock-feeding, and perhaps, before long, to propel a mower and reaper over fifty acres a day. In tlie stone quarry to lift and move ponderous blocks. In tlie sliip-yard to transport and raise mighty timbers. On the canal to liaul boats. In the construction of railroads, to haul earth fiom the cut- tings to tlie embankments, and distribute th(3 ties and rails. In transporting ])assengers and freight, in districts wher<- there are no railroads, or as tributary to existing railroads. With suitable carriages attached, a steamer could run any dis- tance, provided the surfaces were suitable, with tliii-ty or forty passengers, and at a rate of seven miles an hour — thus devel- oping and preparing a district for a line of rails. On the wharves and docks, in loading and unloading ves- sels. In raising the stones, ii'on, and liind)er, us(»d in the construc- tion of buildings, and in a multitude of similar employments. In most of our cities tlier(» v,ould be employment for scores of <'ngines, and these would ])i'obably be owned by companies who would have their (Mni)loy('es in charge?, and their agents looking afte]" fresh work, so that no soonei- v^M^iild one job be finished, than the engine, with the I'igging necessary for its work, coidd move ofi' as rapidly as an ordinary wagon, to another field of labor, alr(,nidy designated. It may be asked, cannot any traction engine do all these various works on th<- farm, in the city, Jind on the common road — to this I say, no I The Williamson Engine alone being able to fill all th<^ I'e- quir(^ments, because of its peculiarly constructed wheels, giv- ing it su('h wonderful ])ow(^i- and facility of movement. In the southern and W(\stern country tlnn'e an^ hundreds ot farmers who could on their own lands profitably own and em ploy a Williamson Steamei-, but for those ^of fewer acres, and for the majority of farmers in the East, a system of (-o-o])- eration in the purchase and management would be best. They coidd have their lands plowed, lumbiu' cut, grain thrashed, and corn shelled at such piices, and undei' such rules regulating the question of precedence, as they might adopt. Tlie profits of the year to go into iheir own pockets— they themselves being stockholders. The production of steam-tilled farms, it is probable, will greatly increase, as the land will be cheaply, i)romptly, and deeply plowed, thus facilitating the operation of seeding, and encouraging a more vigorous growth of ])lant. The farmer, not only enriched by an incrc^ased product pc^r acre, but boUi he and the community benelitted by the saving of those larr/f 9 quantitief! of rfrain and liay noio annually consumed hy the horses engaged in the mry work to which the engine loill he a,pplled, it feeding on the production of the forest and mine. The Royal Agricultural Society of England appointed last year a commission to decide upon the best managed steam- tilled farm, and one hundred and foi'ty were deemed worthy of inspection. Upon these the reduction of horse-power under the new era varied from ten to twenty -five per cent., and was, in two cases, as much as sixty. This is all the more remark- able, when it is considered that the farm produce to be handled is an average of thirty-tliree per cent, over the old system. When at Bloomsdale, the statement was made that the pro- prietors estimated the annual cost of horse food at market- price (the food there being all purchased, not any produced), interest and depreciation on their stock at two hundred dollars per head. In the South and West the value of stock, and cost of keep- ing, is less tlian half of that in the East, but supposing that one-half of the stock of horses and mules in eight of the West- ern States are engaged in the cultivation of the land, and on this making a reduction of eighteen per cent., which is proved to have lieen the averag<3 reduction in England, and estimating on this an annual saving of expense of fifty dollars a head for food, interest, and depreciation, we have a saving of thirty-live millions of dollars annually. These items induce the thought that it would be interesting to work out a more accurate and reliable estimate of the gain that would accrue to the agricultural community, growing out of reduced stock in tillage, and the in(;reased product, the result of steam cultivation, through even a partial adoption of this n<3w system. Before the successful adoption of steam plowing, however, our farms must be thrown into larger fields, and cleared of all unnecessary f(3nces, headlands, trees, stumps and stones ; and this very requisite clearing up and re-modelling will be of benefit, increasing the area of tillage-land, and more readily allowing deep culture, and, as a consequence, better drainage. And when it is considered that every additional inch of soil broken up and made productive below the ordinarj' depth of culture, gives one hundred tons in which plants can more fully develop and draw nourishment, it must be evident that deep breaking of the subsoil, will, under all circumstances, be 10 beneficial, especially on lands worn out on the surface, as are most of the acres of the older Southern States. Fences are a great impediment to steam cultivation, and if it should serve to direct the attention of agriculturists to their almost entire unprofitableness (except to fence in stock, not fence out road cattle, as at present), and w^aste of land which they occasion, it will be doing another great work. It has been estimated that the first cost of all the fences in the State of New York was one hundred and fifty millions of dollars, and that the annual tax for fencing on each acre of inrproved land in the Union, is one and a half dollars. (Solon Robin- son.) As to the question of the economy of the Williamson En- gine, as compared with horses or mules, a reasonably accu- rate conclusion can be reached by the foUowing calculation : assuming that a pair of inules depreciate two-thiids in value in ten years, and that their original cost was four hundred dollars, that, at six per cent, simple interest for that time, added to the cost of food, stable-room, shoeing, and deprecia- tion of harness, and drivers' wages, all at six per ctmt. simple interest, we have a daily expense of two dollars and eighty- one cents, and as the average of plowing is an acre a day, the same two dollars and eiglity-one cents represents the cost per acre. Now, taking the Williamson Steamer and its gang of plows, at a cost of five thousand dollars, and assuming the same depreciation of two-thirds on its original cost in ten years, and estimating that on i\\Qfarm it will be employed one hundred and fifty days in the year (in manj^ other situations the emphwment would be more constant, and tlusrefore less costly), for a series of years, one finds by a calculation at simple interest for ten years on the first cost, added to cost of one hundred and and fifty days' work each year ibr ten years, for engineer at three dollars, fireman at two, cost of coal and cartage of water at five dollars, and wear and tear at ten per cent, per annum, all at six per cent, per annum for the ten years, and estimating the value of the engine then on hand to be one-third of the original cost, one has for the lifteen hun- dred working days within the ten years, a daily cost of eighteen dollars and thirty-six cents. Now, supj)osing the engine plows eight acres a day, we have a cost of two dollars and thirty cents per acre, as compared with two dollars and eighty-one cents by horse power, to say nothing of tlie supe- 11 riority of the work. Oi lookhin- at it in aiiotlior way, tlie daily cost of the engine only being that of six and a half pair of ninles v/orking in the held, while it does the work of eight pair. A mere estimate in dollars and eents of tlu^ com])arative cost per acre of plowing by horse and by steam ])()wer does not, however, show the advantages of the latter to its fullest ex- tent. Even if the cost of plowing by steam was greater than by horse, it would, in the estimation of large operaf ors, have the preference, as by the greater capacity of steam they would be enabled to push forward work, not sto])ping for heat or drought, and prepare land for seeding in due season, whilst others, dependent on animals, would lag beliind. On all occasions when the steamer would be einploy(?d as a stationary engine, the engineer would act as iireman, and frequently burn wood, the production of the farm, instead of coal, thus reducing the expense quite five dollars a day. A set of Fowlers engines, with tackle, cannot be had for less than ten thousand dollars, and requires two engineers and four or live men to manage the ropes and implements, necessitating such an expense that it can only be profitable where the work is constant, and the fields very large, for, with the rope system, it talves an average of two hours to put down and take up- on a field all the impediments of the En- glish system, while, with the Williamson Direct Traction Plowing Engine, the time taken to move from field to field is only that which would be required to movt- a wagon, and when it arrives at a new field, is immediately ready to go to work. All the calculations that the writer has ever seen of the daily cost, or cost of plowing per acre hy the rope system, have been very defective, the interest, and wear and tear, either entirely omitted, or else greatly deficient in amount, while one will ab.vays find charged the small items of oil and cotton waste. The use of the steam plow will familiarize farmers with machinery which will have a benefitting infiuence, inducing in them a greater desire for improvement, and habits of thought- fulness beyond the ordinary routine of their fathers, who, though they nuty have be(,^n good farmers in their generation, would cut a sorry figure in tiiis age of reapers and mowers, and of steam and chemistry, as applied to agricultun;. Agriculture is indeed taking great strides ; no farmer should work in the dark, though, alas! too many do ; the less excuse 12 with tlie many botanists and vegetable physiologists, to tell us of the liabits and structural development of plants, with the many chemists devoted to their science, as applied to agricul- ture, teaching the chemical organization of vegetable substances, and of the kinds of manure profitable to apply, and with manu- facturers of fertilizers off»'ring us articles of sworn composi- tion, all which, with steam to prepare the ground, to harvest, and thrash the crops, dull must he ])e wiio fails to make pro- gress. Indeed, it seems that modern agriculture may becouK^ a sci- ence, not simply an art, for the personal attention to details, keen observation of the habits and formation of plants, and chemical and mechanical knowledge needed to carr}^ on n suc- cessful system of farming will, ere long, rank in intricacy with the deepest of thos<> studies called the "sciences." A BrcKs County Fakmkk. November 1.0, 1873. [Communicated to tiik " Makyi.and Farmer."] REPORT OF TRIAL OF WILLIAMSON'S ROAD ANJ) FIELD STEAMER. Made on the Sth of :S ore tube r, 1S7^, at *' Bloontsdale," the Countrij Seat and Seed n- tirely too wet for tillage, rain having fallen in torrents the day previous, but our host seemed determined we should not be dis- api)ointed in seeing the steam plow perform, so he ordei'ed it into a favorite, long-standing pasture, which was a iirm swartl, apparently kept exclusively as the home of a trio of beautiful Alderneys, part of the admirable Bloomsdale herd. SIZE OF THE LOT. Tlie lot in which we were obliged to plow was rather short, it measuring only two hundred and fifty yards in the direction of the axis of the furrows, as in plowing by direct traction., much is gained by long "lands," — the minimum should not b;' It'ss than three hundred yards, but this lield was favorable for testing the steam plow under such circumstances as might occur. The engine turned out on the headland at each end of the lot, and set in again without stopj)ing, only losing eacli turn, |)erhaps thirty seconds of time. TWO EXGINES EXIIIUITEI). Two seli-}iropelling sti^amers were exhibited to the com- pany, each being of American manufacture, and each having rubber tires on the driving wheels. One a four-wheeled engine with "compensating gear," hav- ing but one cylinder, and a horizontal boiler, the power being nominally ten horse, but actual!}' much greater. The general appearance of this steamer is similar to the English engines. It w^as made especially for farm work, such as plowing, thrash ing, and hauling, and although powerful, and doubtless a very efhcient engine, it appeared to be cumbrous and plethoric; when compared with the second engine, to which our attention was especially directed. This latter is supported on three wheels, two, the drivers, sustaining nearly the entire weight of the engine — the third and smaller wheel being affixed in i'roiit, and used for steering, as is the front wdieel of a veloci- pede. The driving wheels are tifty-eight inches in height, and sixteen inches "face," the steering wheel thirty-four inches in height, and thirteen inches face. THE DUniXG WHEELS, The peculiar construction of the driving wheels gives them great superiority over all other wheels for traction engines, for which the world is indebted to Mr. Thomson, C. E. of Scotland, and to Mr Williamson, the manufacturer in this country, of these road and field engines, for valuable im- i)rovements. 14 » The Thomson wheel resembles a huge lioUow pulley of iron, yet light and strong, the dimensions the same as those above described ; its periphery being perforated with half inch holes. Surrounding this perforated iron tire is a continuous band or tire, of vulcanized rubber, four inches in thickness, and sixteen inches in width. Outside of this is an endless chain, formed of steel platcis, each plate ])eing four inches in width, and of a length to extciud across the face of the rubber tire. THE EFFICIENCY OF TIIK WHEELS. The practical working of the device \^ perfect ; tlic wlieel, as it revolvcvS, thittens out at its bearing, by the weight <•(' tiie engine on the elastic tire, tlius greatly ijicreasing its traction. Portions of the inner side of th(> rubber tire, when compressed, protrudes into the perforafed face of the iron wheel, to which it tirmly connects itself, and the eiidlcss chain of plates ad;i])ts itself to the ever changing outer surface of the rubber tire, which it ])i"otects from injury, and tlie elastic tire, when com- pressed, gives a bearing surface of ov(?r six liundred square incluis under the three wh(H:'ls, and actually <>xerts a pressure not greater upon each square inch covered than does the foot of a horse. Tli(' efficiency of this traction wheel, a truly wonderful in- vention, is attributable to the distribution of the weiglit, and increased impact upon the surface on which it revolves. Tlici American manufacturer has made a decided improve- ment upon the Scotch whc^el, above described. It consists in substituting short segmental lags, or blocks of rubber, for tln^, expensive continuous tire, or band of this ma- terial, and by iitting the wheel to receive "diggcu'S," so as to prevent miring in swampy land, at the same time retaining the principle of compressibility, so invaluable in a traction wheel. THE FOKM AND DIMENSIONS OF TIIE WILLIAMSON ENCJINE. Mounted uj)on three whe(^ls is an upright steel boil(M\ the lieight of which, with the smoke stack, is but ten fex^t from the ground. In front are twohoiizontal cylinders, each six by ten inches, with the works, water-tanks, seat and steering apparatus feu- the engineer, Avho is pilot as well. Back of the boiler are coal bunkers, and platform for fire- 15 man, wlio nlso acts as superintendent of tlie plows. The tank liolds water for two liours' suppl}'", and the bunkers eoal for four hours, and, witli the operators on board, the (engine weighs a little over six tons. COAL COjN^SUMPTION. The coal consumed per diem averages about tliree quarters of a ton (bituminous), and of water about live tons; this amount will, however, be greatly reduced by an improvement in ])rogress. The nominal power of the engine is eight horse, but it is capable of exerting nearly three times that power, DIMENSIONS. The length of the engine is thirteen feet, the width six and three quarter feet, THE PLOW. The plowing apparatus consists of a frame, with a gang of live to eight plows attached ; each so arranged or set as to cast its fiiri'ow into tliat of the plow ]3r(3ceding it. The width of the belt plowed of tlie sward, wliich I wit- nessed, WMs about six feet, and seven to eight inclies in depth, though the power of tlie engine was evidently capable of plow- ing a much greater width and depth, as it has plowed at Bloomsdale, seven feet in widtli, and ten inches in depth, SPEED, The speed with Vv^hich the ])low advanced was about double that usually made by mules or horses in plowing. The soil was nearly free from stones and rocks, and was thoroughly plowed. All present pronounced the steamer and steam plowing emphatically a success. TEST AS A no AD ENGINE. Prioi' to the exhibition of tlie engine in plowing, the engi- neer x)lied it several times up and down a farin lane, and ran it up among buildings, where the turns must necessarily be short, and be made with precision ; he also exhil)ited vaiious velocipedian performances with admirable skill, and satisfied all that the ponderous iron horse could turn much quicker, and on a less area than would l)e required to turn a pair of horses attached to a farm wagon ; or, to be more explicit, it can 16 be turned completely around in a circle of eighteen feet diam- eter, as either of the driving wheels can be made to serve as a pivot. This engine can be run readily on a common road up to ten miles an hour. The elastic tire serves as springs, and relieves the engine from the injurious effects of concussion. One of the most remarkable pf^rformances of the steamer was to run up and down, forward and backward, stopping and starting at pleasure, on a hill having a gradient of one in live. PERFORMANCE ON A ROAB IN HAULING A TRAIN OF WAGONS. Next in order, two large farm wagons were attached beliind the steamer, each fitted up with loose seat lioards across the body, and as many as could rid(? were seated, when she steamed out on the ])ublic ]-oad, i)assing o])sti'uctions and avoiding gate posts in admirable style. AVhen once in line on the road, not nnlilvc tlie spirited trotter when he strikes the track, our iron horse seemed sud- denly excited, and went as though a whole lot of " old boys" were after him. Fortunately, the road was a fair one, with here and there a stone, suffici^mt to give us a good shaking. A¥e sped away a circuit of some two or three miles, and jeturned to the starting point, by entering the domain on the opj)osite side from that at which we left it, and crossed by farm roads, through an area of fifty acres or mor(% which had recently been plowed by the engine. The work appi^ared to have been executed in a superior manner, Avith a uniform depth of nine inches. We next witnessed with intense intei'est the plowing of the sward, of which I have spoken, which was continued until the novelty was slightly waning, Avhen we were informed that dinner was next in ord(>r. No announcement on the pro- gramme seemed to be more popular, so all marched in the di- rection of the large national flag, which waved over the man- sion, hidden for the moment from our view by the stately, venerable trees that surround it. During the ev(ming many siib/jects of general interest were discussed. D. 1). AVilliamson, Esq., of 32 Broad w New York, who is the sole manufacturer in th(3 United States of road and tield steamers, with Williaiusou and Thomson's patent wheels, instructively related the history and the many advantages of the steamer. 17 The discussion of the construction of wagon roads occuj^ied a considerable length of time, though not a moment moiv than, on account of its importance, it deserved. The exemplification of the efficienc}^ of the Williamson En- gine as a roadster, for hauling both passengers and freight over common roads, especially now when we are laboring un- der such inconveniences occasioned by the <>pidemic among horses and mules, made tin* discussion of its merits a matter of intense interest. The founding of towns and cities, the construction of dwellings, sources of water supply, landscape gardening, for- estry, pisciculture, fertilizers, etc., each shared our considera- tion. There seemed to be a general concurrence of opinion on all topics discussed, and nothing occurred during the day to mar our social pleasures. Had I space, a descriptit)n somewhat in detail of Blooms- dale, the system of cropping, the implements and machinery used in cultivating, haj-vesting, and preparing for market the great variety of vegetable and flower seeds there grown, would be of interest. Suffice it to say that fifty -eight head of horses, mules, and oxen, are used on the farm, and its dependencies, and four steam engines, beside the Williamson Road and Field Traction Engine about to be permanently added ; twenty-five thousand dollars worth of fertilizers are annuall}' applied, in addition to the manure made on the fhrm, and every variety of implement and machine used in agriculture and horticul- ture in this country, may there be found, and what we saw there were sufRcient to stock a respectable warehouse. Everything is in order, and system, neatness, good taste and fitness of things, pervade the entire establishment. The seeds grown at Bloomsdale, and on other lands owned, occupied, and operated by Messrs. Landreth, are exported to the shores of the Pacific, to Australia, and the British Pos- sessions in India ; in fine, their seeds are said to be almost as well known on the shores of the Ganges, as on the Missis- sippi, or Ohio. [From " The Practical Farmer," Philadelphia, Decemrer, 1873.] INAUGURATION OF A NEW ERA IN AGRICULTURE. steam foiver on tlie Fartn and Common lioatfs. On the 8th of last month, in company with a number of other invited guests, we were present at Bloomsdale, near 18 Brifstol, Pennsylvania, the residence and well-known seed farm of David Laudretli, containing over live liiindred acres, to wit- ness tlie trial of a new'ly invented st^am power, called tlie Wil- liamson Road and Field Steamer. The inventor, 1), I). Wil- liamson, was present, and the steamer, wdiich bears his name, is an American improvement iij^on the well -knowni Thomson Road Steamer, as constructed in Great Britain, and is now- believed to be, with these improvements, perfectly adapted to road and farm service in this country. The American inven- tion, which has overcome all previous difhculties, consists mainly in the use of a ])eculiar india-rubber tire. We had an illustration in the Practical Farmer, of 1871, -of this steamer, as she appears when hauling loaded wagons '•vOn our common roads. It is a traction engine, differing essen- •tially from Eiiglish steam plows, where two stationar}^ engines •ai^ used, and plows are drawm from on(^ side to the other by a series of endless (^liain ropes or wires. Two steamers on this occasion were sliow-n us, in full operation, one having the ; continuous rubber tire, and the other having th(i tire in sec- tional ))]ocks. Th(^ first engine exhibited was on four wluu^ls, and fitted with elastic tir<^s. formed of sections of vulcanized I'ubber, and ])artially shod with steel plates, which lattei' secured the rub- bei", and iii turn werc^ secured ])y the wIkm^I in an ing<^nious maiinei'— which is I). I). Williamson's latest invention. Tlu' weight of the engine so compressed these tii'es that an (^lastic cushion of nearly three hundred square inch(;s was interposed between (^^ch di'iving-wheel of the (mgine and the ground, ther<*by enabling the steamer to cross sott lields without sink- ing, and consequently without compressing the soil. An ingenious compensating gear enabled th(^ stc^ann^r to turn in •very small space, without slipping the wheels. The second steamer was mounted on thre<3 wheels, and was fitted with elastic tire, composed of an immense ring of rubber, vulcanized in one piece. This was protected })y achain armor of steel plates, linked together at the sides, aiui conforming in their movements to every position of tlu^ whe(^ls. This steamer could be turned in its own length, and moved itself about like a thing of life. No team of horses could have turned, backed, and stoj^petb Avith more facility and certainty. Tt was runuj) the ste(q:> bridgeway of a barn, having an elevation of one foot in live, backed down, and run up again with the greatest ease and facility. For a further coniirmation of its capacity, a 19 couple of largo farm wagons were coupled beliind it. in which about twenty of the guests were seated, for a ride. It trotte place of departure. This plowing wiis beantifully done, and Ave were informed at an average depth of nine inches, much of it being plowed twelve inches deep. iSio more accurate^ or level furrows, as it appeared to us, could be made by any plowman with a well -trained t^am of horses. Two of D. Lan- dreth's sons accompanied the excursion party ^ and pointed out the j>l()wing in ditterent places, performed by the steame/. After being uncoupled from the wagons, it was attached for a trial of plowing to the Williamson Gang Plow, consisting of fiv<' plows, secured to one frame. This latter so light, strong, and lland3^ is the result of three years' hard work, much patience and expense. It is made to contain six hard steel plows, eacli cutting a furrow twelve inches wide, and, as D. Landreth in- formed the comp any, had on one occasion plowed fourteen inches deep. The ordinary depth the steam plow has been worked at Bloomsdale is eight inches. On the way to the field th(^ plows followed the steamer as readily as a two-wheeled cart. Not a moment was lost in getting to work. The field selected was an old tough sod, with a steej-) grade in the cen- tre. The tripping of a lever by the fireman, which he per- foj-med from his station at the boiler, let the plows into the ground, and away rolled the steamer as straight as an arrow, with the tough sod furrows rolling over behind, like so many waves. The work seemed perfect, each furrow being mechani- cally correct, and alike in width and depth. At the as(;ent of the grade in the middle of the field, no diminished speed was observable, the power seeming so arbitrary and irresistible, that no ordinary field obstructions could have resisted its continu- ous progress. Arrived at the end of the field, the fireman pulled another rope, and out shot each one of the plows, the steamer spun around on one wheel, ran across the headland, and turning into a new land, was instantly at work on the re- turn 'hold.' There was no hitch, no slipping or backing, but a simple, silent triumph of good, sensible engineering. We are thus particular in describing exactly what we saw, 20 and was witnessed with surprise and pleasure by the wliole company — because it demonstrated that the experiment of steam on the farm and on tlie road was successful in every point. Coming at a time when tlie farming business is un- profitable, and requires reconstruction, this new invention will greatly supersede in some sections the labor of men and liorses, will make more thorough plowing and tillage, and will in- crease profits, by economizing time and labor. On a large farm of five hundred acres, like D. Landreth's, where there are no inside fences, it must be an invaluable addition to the working force. The system pursued at Bh)omsdale is one of higli farming, the land being Jcejyt in good heart, and read}^ to re- turn sixty or a hundred fold, or wliatever else is asked of it. The rapidly removing one crop and speedy putting in another, so as to secure the whole growing season, is an important op- eration, which can be easily performed by the Williamson Steamer, but is slow and ex]iensive b}^ single teams of horses. On our small farms around Philadelphia, clogged up with su- perfiuous fencing, it is not expected or at all pi-obable that sin- gle farmers will buy one of these steamers ; but they transport themselves, and may be purchased by individuals, who will go around a neighborhood, as now, with horse-powers, and per- form thrasliing, ploughing, and various other farm work, at a rapid and cheap rate. The heavy demand will doubtless be from the West, where furrows an? plowed many miles long. They would also do admirably in the State of Delaware, where farms are larger than here. At the conclusion of a most bountiful dinner repast, I). 1). Williamson of New York, the inventor, b}^ invitation, gave a brief history of his steam plow, claiming for it not the extravagant powers whi(;h entliusiasts were wont to demand for their inventions, but that with good management, on ground suited to steam cultivation, it would plow from one to three acres per hour, according to depth of the furrow, and length of the land. The cost of steamer and plow complete, is $ff,000, as against $10,000, the cost of the cumbrous English system. The consumption of coal is about one ton per day in both S3"stems. In addition to the wages of an engineer and fireman, the American machine requires only a boy to drive a water cart, while the British tackle employs five to six per- sons. The acreage plowed is about the same in both systems. The Williamson Steamer is fitted so as to drive thrashing or other machines, and will haul from twenty to thirty tons of 21 freight in wagons, on any fair countiy road, in good condition. As regards compression of the soil in passing over, D. Land- reth has carefully examined this point, and has found that owing to these elastic wheels, no injury or undue compression is effected. We consider great credit is due to him und his sons, for tlius inaugurating the use of steam power on the farm and common road, and demonstrating by practical experi- ments on tlie held of Bloomsdale, its adaptation to the uses ol the American fanner. [From the "Germaj^town Telegraph," Philadelphia, November, 20, 1872. | STEAM PLO\\^ING}^ AT BLOOMSDALE. The trial of the Williamson Locomotive for road and field purposes came off at the splendid estate of the Messrs. Laiid- reth, on Friday the 8th, instead of Thursday the 7th, the day being changed on account of the weather. We have several printed reports and communications of the trial, being un- avoidably absent ourselves on this interesting occasion. We have, however, witnessed several similar trials of ])lowing by steam, the first being somewhere about twelve years ago. Still, we should have been pleased to witness this trial, Avliich was mo]-e complete and varied than the others. Trnction steam-pow.^r in plowing is by no means new, eitlier in this country or in Eui'ope, especially in England ; but it 1ms been somewhat supplanted by the anchor-power, stationed at the headlands, wld('h we have so often referred to in these columns. The Williamson-Thompson Locomotive, as it is called, from being the joint product of these two gentlemen, the for- mer an American, and the latter, we believe, a Scotchman, pos- sesses several peculiarities in its construction with a view to contract th(^ size, yet retain its power, and enable it to be easily liandled and turned, not to be found in the others, which are of considerable importance to its permanent work- ing. In the wheels, especially, there are many decided im- provements, the principal ones being the use of India-rubber in sections, which, forming the rims, cause the weight of the engine to pass over the ground evenly. Much of tli<' machin- ery is concealed, and is somewhat complicated, but not liable to get out of order. 90 It was first used as a road motor, drawing two farm wag- cms, loaded witli interested spectators, on the public liigli- wa.ys, crossing a railroad, ascending considerable elevations, and turning around in a common lane. About two miles were thus traversed, but there were other experiments in- dulged in, such as running up the carriage-way to the barn, stopping half way, and starting up again, t^tc. These showed tfiatthe locomotive possessed the power to overcome ascents. It was also run over a plowed field, tlirough puddles of water, etr-., the construction of the wheels preventing undue sinking. All these excellent features in this locomotive, we have over and over read of in the previous trials of it, and had no doubt then that they were correct as they are now proven to l)e. In fact we saw one of the locomotives last week on our way to New York, used as a rival to the liorst railioays, in carrying passengers. This, if we remember rightly, was at Elizabeth. Its qualities, liowever, as a power for plowing on fields, jire the most important ])art of the present consith'iiition. That it exliibited these qualities in an emiiiently satisfactory degree is the assurance of eveiy gentleman present who has (H)mmu- nJcated with us on tlie subject. We had ourselves no appre- hension of tliis before the trial took place, and we so distinctly said some two montlis ago, o]i learning that the Messis. Landreth had procured o]ie of the AVilliamson Engines. The question of traction steam })lowing has long been settled, l)ut tlKU-e is anotlier question wliicli has not been, which we shall britifiy refer to presently. As to the plowing done at Bloomsdale, it was well done, and as i)erfectly as by hand-plowing. Five plows, cutting furrows seven inches dee}) and ten inches wide, at the I'ate of about one acre per hour, woilved admirably ; the engine was turned easily and quicjkl}^ but not so rapidly as horses are — we beg to ditter from some — which scarcely occu- pies half a minute ; but so quickly as to be a matter of wonder. A statement made on the occasion that three acres an hour can be accomplished, is of course unworthy of a thought. In ground like that of the great seed farm at Bloomsdale — almost level, a sandy root loam, constantly worked and manured, without a stump, a roat, or a stone — a steam plow revels in a paradise, and can doubtless be used there, not only to per- fection, but with profit ; with profit, because it is liardly a question there of dollars and cents to get the work done in the nick of time, when the weather is favorable, and the cro])s ouglit to be in. 23 In England, the average work of a steam plow per day is from eight to ten acres — that is where steam plows are nsed, and their use is far more limited there than is commonly be- lieved. Here the work of the Williamson will be about the same, but say the highest number, ten acres. In support of this we quote the following from a private note of Mr. Landreth, senior, who is one of our life long and best be- loved friends, and we take the liberty of doing so because what he says is of public interest, and can be perfectly I'elied on : "I think we have solved at Bloomsdale the problem of plowing by direct traction, so far as light, level, friable land is concerned. I speak only of such — beyond that our experi- ence does not extend, and I desire not to mislead others. We can readily plow an acre an hour, and while I write these lines I have within sight the Wiliamson-Thomson En- gine, with five plows attached, turning over a pretty stitf sod at that rate, and running as steadily as did in olden times the (Jonestoga wagon." But the main point for consideration, after all, is that of ECONOMY. Of this nothing is said, and indeed notliing need be said, so far as it refers to the emplojanent of this power by the Messrs. Landreth. As a point for the general farmer, iiowever, or even of the most extensive farmers of the West imd South-west, it is one of controlling importance. So far the (economical question lias been tlie death ]Aow of former steam traction plows, and until that is settled satisfactorily, and on the right side of the balance sheet, steam as a motor for plow- ing will be restricted to particular cases. [Feom George Blight, Esq., a Well-known and Practical Farmer in Pennsylv^vnlv, November 20, 1872.] ploavinct by steam. On the invitatiss tact of a high order, and with experience that it has taken at least ^fty years to perfect. The kindness and liberality of the owner are nowhere exceeded. In short, Bloomsdale seed farm is a model of completeness and usefulness beyond praise. 27 No English gentleman can be more j lastly proud of his acres than Mr. Landreili, and in the useful eniph^^nient of his talents and money, we know no one to be more envied. One would suppose twenty acres would raise all tlie seeds re- quired, but here are six hundred, and the product is carried to the East and West Indies, and even to Europe, and there is never an overplus. [Feom the "Bucks County Intelligencer," Novembeu 12, 1873.] TRIAL OF A STEAM PLOAV. An Interesting Day at Bloomsdale. The application of steam to agricultural purposes, espe- cially to the work of plowing, has hitherto received much less attention in the United States than in Europe. On tlie farms in England some three thousand steam plows are in operation, while in this country, with its great facilities for using them, particularly on the great plains of the west, tliere are proba- bly less than a dozen of tliese implements emx)loyed. This is doubtless in a measure owing to the great cost of those in use in Great Britain, which, up to a recent period, liave been the only kind of steam apparatus adapted to this branch of farm- ing. Plowing by steam in England, as is known by those wliose attention has been directed to the subject, is done by a stationary engine, placed on the side of the held, by which the plows are operated, by using long wire ropes. At tirst, only one engine was used, but it was soon found necessary to have two, stationed on opposite sides of the held, the plows to be run by a complication of machinery, and the wire ropes al- ready mentioned. This method was so far from satisfactory, that the inventive powers of those interested in the matter were set to work to devise a plan by which a steamer could be constructed that, instead of remaining at a hxed point, could be moved across the held, drawing the plow after it. To ac- complish this the main object was to construct wheels on which to run the engine, of such a character that they would adhere to the ground sufficiently, and at the same time not sink much below the surface. This mu(di desired end, it is believed, has been achieved by the employment of india-rub- 28 ber in making the rims of the wheels. It remained for an Amc^rican inventor, B. D. Williamson, of New York, to make a practical application of this discovery in the sliape of a steamer for plowing in the manner last described, and for which he has obtained a patent. Abont two months ago David Landreth & Son, proprietors of the great seed farm at Bloomsdale, near Bristol, had two of Mr. Williamson's Steam- ers bronght to their place, for the pnrpose of testing tliem. The Messrs. Landreth are well known as liberal patrons of every im]:)rovement calculated to advance the interests of agriculture, and they liave therefore exerted themselves very diligently in testing the merits and capacity of Mr. Williamson's invention, not only for their own and the in- ventor's satisfaction and advantage, but for the benefit of the farming interests in the country generally. They have plowed about fifty acres of ground upon their farm with these machines, and so well were they satisfied with tliem, that it was decided to give a more public exhibition of their operation. Accordingly, on Fridny last, by invitation of the Messrs. Landreth, a number of prominent persons interested in agri- cultural progress, from Philadelphia, Baltimore, New York, Boston, and other places, assembh^d at Bloomsdale, for the purpose of examining the workings of this great invention, which seems destined to bring about a revolution in farming in the United States. The company, including man}'' persons who had never visited Bloomsdah^ before, spent some time in inspecting th(^ buildings, and other objects of interest about the premises, and then gathered to examine the steamer, whicli was fired up, and in order for use. Tlie general construction of tlie st(vamer is similar to that of ordinary portable engines, the chief points of distinction being tlie style of the wheels, and additional apparatus for turning them around. One of them has four wheels, the two in front, which are used to guide the steamer, being much nari-ower and smaller than the two liind ones, the rims of \N'hich are ;ibout eighteen inclx^s in width. The front wheels, upon which there is a much lighter weight, are only half that size. Between the inner and outer surfaces of tlie rims of the wheels are placed a series of sec- tions or blocks of india-rubber, four inclies in thickness, through which metallic bolts are easily passed. These run through a series of iron platens, three inches wide, and an incji in thickness, which are placed a short distance apart, and 29 form tlie outside surface or tire. By this aiTangeraent tlie weight of the engine compresses tlie india-rubber, a large sur- face of the wlieel comes in contact with the ground, the weight of tlie machine is distributed over a much larger portion of the ground than it can be by any other known means, and the pressure at any point, therefore, does not much exceed that pi-oduced by tlie hoof of an average horse. The other is a three wheeled steamer, the guide wheel being immediately in front. Another, and the principal point of distinction between it and the other is, that the india-rubl)er used in the construction of the wheels, instead of being in sec- tions, is a continuous band around the wlieel. Mr. Wil- liamson does not tliink this as good a plan as to have it in sections. The visitors were lirst shown the locomotive powers of the steamers. They are perfectly manageable, even in the hands of engineers of limited experience. Tliey can be readily and quickly stopped, either on the level or in ascending a hill. By an ingenious attachment one wheel is made to stand still, while the other moves, so that they can be turned around with perfect ease. Their forward movement is readily checked, and they can be backed with facility. Their movements in this particular excited universal admiration. The next step in the programme was to exhibit their adaptation to the jjur- poses of hauling or carriage over our common wagon roads. For this purpose a train, consisting of two heavy farm wag- ons, was rigged up. These were provided with seats, and the train was attached to the rear of the engine. The seats were soon tilled with a portion of the company, and when all were ready the signal was given, and the train moved off. Starting at the center of the farm, near the buildings, it j)assed through an ordinary wagon-way, out to the turnpike, over ground both hard and yielding, and surface rough, as well as even, up hill and down, the engine pufRng and snorting along to the astonishment of the peoplo, who ran from their houses, and from their work in the lields, to gaze at the novel specta- cle. Leaving the turnpike at the road bounding the Blooms- dale farms on the east, the procession passed on northward, in the direction of the Philadelphia and Trenton liailroad, which was approached ,iust as an express train passed by. The pas- sengers caught sight of the formidable train, and from joy at having escaped being demolished hy it, or from delight at the dawn of the new era in the age of steam, the windows flew open, 30 and hats and handkerchiefs came forth in large numbers, wliich salute was returned by the Bloomsdale party, who, by this time, were in ecstacies over the success of this new experiment in railroading. The train now crossed the railroad, up a steep embankment, and passing around about half of the farm, turning several corners, through narrow passages success- fully, going over ground in many ])laces decidedly yield- ing, from the effects of recent rains, returned at last to the place of starting safe and sound. The distance travelled was over two miles, and the rate of speed about six miles an hour. Those who enjoyed tliat ride will not soon forget their first experience at railroading, under the new dispensation. The next and most important part of the exhibition was tlie plow trial. This test was made under somewhat unfavorable circumstances. Owing to the heavy rains during the middle of the week, the grounds on the farm were too wet for a fail* test of the machine. It was, however, decided to make the trial in a piece of sod ground, although the plow was not rigg(^d for that purpose, having no coulters attached. The one that was used on the occasion consists of a series of six plows. These plows are made of steel, and are attached to a heavy wooden beam, to which two shafts are affixed. The beam runs obliquely with the shafts, by which the plows, when in motion, just precede each other in turning up the earth. On this trial it was thought best to take off one of the plows, and use but five. The plows can be run any desired depth, from six to ten inches, this being regulated by quad- rants attached to the fram(\ When all was ready, the frame work of the plow was attached to the rear of the steamer, by a heavy chain, and the machine, under the charge of the engi- neer and fireman, was put in motion. The ground chosen for the trial was covered with a rather stiff sod, but the soil was deep and loose below, and with all the variety of surface for a thorough t^st of plowing, both on the level, and up and down hill. The plows entered the ground promptly at the bidding of the fireman, who, in addition to his other duty, had charge of the apparatus for this purpose, as well as for lifting them oiit of the ground at the other end. It plowed a uniform depth of about seven inches, each furrow being- turned over as nicely as if done by an experienced plowman, in the usual way. At tlie end, the plows were taken from the ground quickly and easily, and the turning of the steamer 31 and plows to enter fresh furrows on the other side of tlie enclosure, was done as speedily, and witli as mucli facility, as with an ordinary pair of horses. The plow was run at differ- ent degrees of speed, from that of a common plow team, to double that rate. By increasing the rate of speed, the ground is pretty thoroughly torn to pieces, and we should think that were it sufficiently dry, and in good order, it would not need mucli harrowing afbn'wards. Each plow makes a furrow a little over a, foot in width, the whole five at a sweep plowing a space of six feet. When all six of the plows are attached, it turns up a space of a little over seven feet wide. Tlie work was done so well that the trial was successful, even beyond the expectation of the inventor, who was present, and all others who witnessed it. By running at a moderate rate of S2:)eed, it will readil}" plow an acre an hour. This is about the average of the work that has been done by the i)low at Bloomsdale. But this is by no means the limit of its capacity. Mr. Wil- liamson had a letter from a party in the West, to whom h** had sold one of the machines, in which it was stated that it had plowed as much as three acres of prairie land an hour. The price of the two steamers, respectively, is $4,500 and $5,000. The company present at the trial on Friday, was composed of intelligent men, many of them of large experience in agricul- tural matters, and others of extensive scientific attainments, and skilled in machinery, and the}' were united in the opinion that the aftair was a grand success. It was concluded that the steam plow is a fixed fact, and that if the invention has not 3'et reached perfection, it has approached so near it as to warrant the prediction that a great revolution in the culture of the soil is at hand, the impoi'tance of which it is impossible to estimate. After the trial was over, the comj^any returned to the fine mansion of Mr. Landreth, when tlie hospitalities of the pro- prietor were dispensed with his usual liberality. The splendid dinner provided for the guests accorded well with the impor- tance of the occasion, which may yet prove an epoch in our agricultural history, of more moment than the most sanguine friends of progress now antici]iate. At the close, the ploAv, the plow-maker, and Messrs. LaTidreth & Sons, were* toasted, and speeches, abounding in wit. pleasantry, and general good feeling, were made by Gen. Patterson, Dr. Emerson, J. I. Smith, of Philadelphia; Prof, \yilkinson, of Baltimore; 11. Morris Copeland, of Boston ; ^h\ Williamson, and others. 32 Thus ended one of the most interesting and pleasant gather- ings in the experience of those who enjoyed it, and one that will be remembered in the future among the most hap})y recol- lections of their lives. [From the "Journal op the Farm," Philadelphia, December, 1873.] A\^ILLIAMSON'S R-OAD AND FIELD STEAMER. Road and Field Steamer Trial. The absolute necessity of introducing to general use, or at least for us(^ upon large farms, some motor b}' which ploAV- ing, heavy hauling. Etc., can be done more readily and more cheapl}' than by horse or mule, or ox power, is beginning to be recognized in this country. In England, the subject has been discussed at length, and the pi-actical rt^sults are seen in the use on many English farms, of steam plows. Latterly, road and held steamers have been introduced into the United States, and we had an <)i)poitunit3^ of witnessing their operation a few weeks since, at Bloomsdale, on the farm of David Landreth & Son. We are prepared to indorse their strong claims to popular favor. About two months since, Messrs. Landreth & Son had two of these improved steamers brought to their tarm, at Blooms- dale, for the purpose of giving them a thorough, practical trial. After having jolowed some fifty acres with tlunu, they were so well satishcd of their value, that a public exhibition of the machine at work was agreed upon, and in company with a number of otlnn- invited guests, wo were present. The main feature of tli<' engine is the peculiar chara(;ter of the wheels. This is the invention of Mr. I). D. Williamson, of New Yoik. Lacking space for a ininute desci-iption of tli(>se whecils, wt; must content ourselves with briefly stating that tlu^ lims, or tires, are made of india-rubber, which, being elastic, sufficient adhesion is obtain(Hl by the driviug-wlieels, without damage to the rcradway. Thes(^ elastic tires also act as a p; I'fect spring, and thus sav(^ the machine from injur}^ while travelling over rough surfaces. Tl)(3 general constru(^tion of the steamer in other respects is like that of ordinary portable engines. The locomotive power of the steamers was hrst exhibited 33 to the visitors. They were shown to be perfectly manageable, whether on an ascent or descent. Two heavy farm wagons, provided with seats, were attached to one of the engines. The seats were filled with a portion of the company, and the train started — passing over hard, as well as yielding gronnd, rough as well as smooth. Steep eml^ankments were ascended, short curves turned, and after travelling for at least two miles, at a speed of six miles per hour, the starting point was again reached. The most important part of the exhibition was the plow trial. The ground chosen was a stiff sod, with a deep loose soil below. The plow used consisted of a series of six plows, one of wliicli was taken oft\ We have not space to describe the construction of the plow, reserving that for another occa- sion. The plow can be run to any desired depth. It is attached to the engine by a strong chain, and is managed by the fireman, who not only regulates the depth, but operates the apparatus for lifting it — or them, rather — out of the ground at the end of the field. This latter operation is as quickly and easily performed as is the lifting and turning of a single plow, with horses attached. Each plow makes a furrow of a little over a foot in width, the five turning up a space of about six feet. The depth was uniformly seven inches, and when the ordinary horse speed was adopted, the furrows were evenly laid, but the rate was doubled, and then the soil was so thoroughly disintegrated as scarcely to require harrowing. Running at a moderate speed, it will plow an acre an hour, but this speed can be increased at will. After the very satisfactory exhibition of the capacities of the engines and plow, the company returned to the fine man- sion of Mr. Landreth, where they were most hospitably enter- tained. We regret that want of space compels us to give so brief a descrij)tion of the pleasant occasion. [Fkom The "Ledgek and Tkanscript," Philadelphia, Dec. 19, 1873.] STEAM ROAD WAGGONS AND PLOWS. An esteemed correspondent sends us the following ac- count of the performances of Williamson's Common Road Steamer, for the propulsion of wagons, and for field service on 34 farms. The exhibition of the steamers was recently given at Mr. D. Landreth's seed farm, Bloomsdale, near Bristol. Our correspondent writes as follows: — "The steamer adapted to common roads, had two farm wagons attached, with twenty- four persons in them. Starting with this train, it passed down a lane, through a gate, took the public road, turned into by- roads, and after a run of two or three miles, at a lively rate, returned to the place from whence it set out. The steamer is cjuite manageable, under direction of two young men, one the conductor, and the other a lireman. It turned in a very small space, and seemed as easily contiolled as a velocipede. Its liauling capacity is from fifteen to twenty tons, and hills of moderate grades are readily passed over. In carrying passen- gers on a good road, it is claimed that a speed of twelve miles per hour may be made. In plowing, or other heavy work, the speed does not exceed four miles per hour. " On Mr. Landreth's great seed form of five hundred acres, without inside fences, and in high cidture, about fifty acres had been turned wp in an admirable manner, to a depth varying from seven to nine inches. To afford his visitors an oppor- tunity of seeing the machinery work, Mr. Landreth had it turned into a fresh field of stiff clay sod. Through this it w€mt with perfect ease, guid(Kl by tlie young engineer, the fireman setting in the gangs of 2)]ows, and raising them at the end of the rows. I'he turning was accomplished in from thirty to fifty seconds, by a watch. The gang of plows con- sisted of five each, turning about fourte^:>n inches each, and altogetlKM' a width of six feet. A sixtli ^^lov/ can be fixed to the beam, but with five plows nearly an acre an hour can be readily turned, or about eight acres per day, with due allow- ance for impediment. " The main princij)le upon which this steamer depends for its success over all others, is a peculiar construction of its wheels, enabling these, in their rotation, to take a strong hold on the ground, so that nearly all the power of the engine is expended in traction or i)ropulsion. Tlie tires of the wheels are made of elastic rubber, of extraordinary thickness. Upon the circumference steel plates are attached, about a foot long, three-quarters of an inch thick, and an inch apart, making the face of the wheels one foot wide. On coming upon the ground, these broad, elastic wheels, yielding to the pressure upon their rims, take a strong hold. The weight of the engine is so distributed upon the broad wheels that these cause no 35 greater impact upon tlio ground than tliat ordinarily made by tlie lioofs of horses. The rnbber ties operate as springs, and obviate tlie effects of concussion. These steamers — rated nominally of about eight horse power— with the gang of steel plows, cost about $5,000. A fair estimate of their value must be based upon the amount of vv^ork they are capable of doing, and time saved. These machines can be em})loyed not only in breaking up ground, and preparing for crops in little time and in the best manner, but in reaping crops, thrashing the grain, hauling it to market, and doing other things to which steam ))Ower is adapted." [From the "Boston Daily Advertiser."] PENnSTSYLVANIA. The Farms of David Landreth and Iiis Sons.— A Keiv Steam Plow and Traction Engine. — Modern Tniproretnents in Farming. [from an occasional cokrespondent.] I RECEIVED recently an invitation to go to Bloom sdale, at Bristol, on the line of the New York and Philadelphia road, the home and farm of David Landreth, the great seed-grower, to witness an exhibition of a new steam plow and traction engine. We have carried the improvement of some kinds of agricultural machinery so far that no great improvement in the method of harvesting crops are likely to be made. Altera- tions in methods and machines will follow their use, but no radical change is to be expected which can affect the crop of the country. But an improvement in plowing, which will give a man the same control of the preparation of his land that the mower or reaper has over his ripe crop, would be of incalculable advantage. There are two short seasons — one in the fall, the other in the spring — for j)lowing, and on the good use of these two periods depends the amount of every crop. A few days of i-ain, or of cold, wet weather, that pre- vents the hot spring sun evaporating the water from the saturated earth, may reduce the crop ver}^ largely. An average team can plow an acre of average land seven inches deep in a day. If a man has a hundred acres to plow and seed, it will take ten teams ten days, and all the' chances of weather, 36 the cost being forty dollars a da}^ at least, or four dollars per acre. If lie could plow the land with one machine in ten days, at about two dollars per acre, and do his work better, there would be reason to believe that a man could get rich by farming. Now, better than this can be done. * ^' ^^ About twenty -five 3^ears ago Mr. David Landreth, the liead of the i^resent firm, bought the farm of five hundred acres, which he now occupies at Bristol, having a long river front, permitting all manures and heavy freight to be landed at his v/harf, and backed by the canal, and by the railroad. The land was a sandy soil, easy to cultivate, and easily dried after rains, but was wretcliedly poor. He and his sons began tlieir work with vigor, and to-day the five hundred acres, the huge barns, seed-rooms, wareliouses, lawns decorated with the most beautiful trtH^s and shrubs, the dwelling-house, which was an old farm-liouse, which has now blossomed out with dormers and gables, and is shaded with broad piazzas, and clad with luxuriant vines, make a picture and tout 6m6Y:'?7z7^Z6' not equalled anywhere else in this country. These Xwii hundred acres are ever under a crop, and the barns and seed-rooms are filled and emptied five to seven times each year with difterent seeds. Once liarvested, the plants that are full of seed are liandled mostly b}^ steam power— are rais(Hland lowered, thrashed and winnowed, dried and carried to their bins by steam power — and are then assorted and packed by nimble-fingered girls and boys, into the little and big packag(^s ftimiliar to our gardent^rs gind farnu^rs. Every crop, when prepared, is divided into two ; one-half bcnng sent to the city warehouse, the other remaining on tlu? farm, thus being secured from danger of total loss by iire. Wliere the grandfather grew pounds of seed, these men grow tons. ''• * '•• They have added to their home farm another, across the river, in New Jersey. They buy all tlieir peas from Northern New York farmers, where, as yet, the weevil has not gone. Their potatoes are grown in New England and New York, and their corn from Canada to Virginia. * * * At Bloomsdale, all the constructive and repairing work of the farm is done by themselves ; they have shops to make and repair their tools, and when one looks at the stacks of tools, droves of plows, the flocks of harrows, the swarms of seed- sowers, drills, and minor instruments of culture, he might think he was in an agricultural warehouse, rather than on a farm. It takes forty horses and mules, and an army of 37 laborers, to produce and manage all the crops. Hundreds of tons of guano, super-phosphate, bones, blood, offal and niglit- soil, are landed each year on these farms, coming from all parts of the world, as well as the United States, and side by side you may see the hoofs, blood, and bones, of the Chicago cattle-yard, and the Cincinnati slaughter-house, and guano from the Chincha Island guano beds. Every toil-worn inventor knows how hard it is to lind a good chance to try his machine, especially if a large one, and one whicli rec[uia"es the co-operation of other men. j\Ir. William- son, the American patentee of the traction engine, learned this to his cost, and tried long and fruitlessly to find a place to experiment in steam plowing, until he met \N'ith Mr. Lan- dreth, who was not only ready to believe in and help forward a good invention, but could open fields for steam culture tliat would fully test the power and value of any machine. I will not consume space describing the machine itself, for that I will refer to the patentee, D. D. Williamson, 32 Broadway, New York. The peculiarity of the engine is that it lias a wide band of india-rubber, six inches thick, for the tire of it,s wheels — one engine has the rubber in a continuous ring, the other in sections ; the rubber is faced witli a kind of chain armor, which keeps it from contact with, and wear on tlm earth, but the india-rubber spreads under the weight of the engine, and the face or rim of the wheel seems to open out like the paw of the cat, or the foot of an elephant, and gets great hold on the ground ; and although the machine weighs seven tons, its two wheels do not press sod ground more than an inch deep, marking its passage over fallow ground by a path fourteen inches wide, and an inch and a half deep. There is a third wheel, like a velocipede, which turns tlie engine, and it can turn round and round in its own lengtli, making a perfect circle not more than fifteen feet in diameter. Two Avagons, attached to the engine, and loaded with thirty people, started on a tour I'ound Mr. Landreth's farm, sometimes on th.e road, sometimes in fields, turning the sharpest corners with ease. We were shown fields of ten and twenty acres, plowed with the engine, at a cost of $1 per acre, and ten acres a day. After we returned to the house, the gang plow was attached to the engine, and we started for an old grass field, covered with a strong sod. ' The plow had six mould boards, or, as it were, six sepaiate plows in one ; the machine started at once, and drew the plows up and down the field, over some steep 38 grades, turning a furrow bed six feet wide, fourteen inch furrows, seven inches deep, and moved as fast as a man coukl walk. It turned on the headlands in thirty seconds, and whether going up or down liill it could be controlled, regulated, slowed or hastened at will. One of these plows, sold to a western railroad, was jjut for a first trial into a Minnesota prairie, with an extremely hard, rooty sod, and was di-iven, as its lirst test, without stopping, one mile in a straight line, curling over unbroki^i furrows thirtj' and forty feet long. The furrows, as they follow the i)low, break like the foam crests of waves on the shore. Thus you see the point I made at the beginning of ni}' story is illustrated at the end — ten acres can be plo\\'ed. I liave said nothing of the value of the machine for general traction ; the same engine can haul a string of wagons to a gravel bank, load them, with a steam shovel, take them oiit to be dumped, plow, mow, and reap, thrash, drive piles — in short, do all mis cellaneous work, and I hope will soon be so imjnoved as to do general housework. it. m. c. [Stockton (Camkohnia) "Daily Indkpendant."J Sp:vekal experiments, all of which have been eminently successful, have at diflt'erent times been tried with AVilliamson's Steam Koad Wagon, in the vicinity of Stockton ; but the first practical test in plowing on a large scale in this county lias been made by L. II. Bi-annock, on his farm on the Cherokee Lane. Mr. Brannock is using one of the steamers regularly, and, Avitli two gangs of four plows each, plows from twenty- five to thirty acres of land daily. The breadth of groimd cut by these two gangs of x^if>ws is seven feet, and the steamer draws tiiein along steadily and rapidly, without any difficulty whatever. The expense of plowing in this manner is found to be much less than by the ordinary nu^thod of using animals. No difficulty whatever is experienced with the steamer on unev(^n ground. It travels over sudden and sharp elevations, and across abrupt depressions of the land as easih"', apparently, and with as little interruption, as are its movements along a 39 gravelled street or turnpike. One very great advantage which the steamer possesses over teams of horses or oxen is, that in clearing land the steamer can readily be detached from the plows, and fastened to a newl}^ felled tree, which is bodily removed by the machine to any desired part of the field. In work of tliis kind tlie wonderful power of the steamer is shown even better than in jDlowing. It will haul off a large oak tree, trunk and branches together, with as little apparent difficulty as it would travel with a brush harrow. AVe are told that Mr. Brannock, after having given the steamer a more extended and thorough trial than it has heretofore had in this section of the State, is well satis- fied with its working power, and its adaptability to the heavy labor necessary to be done on a well managed farm. At the California State Fair, held at Sacramento, a prize of $50 and diploma were awarded to the Williamson Steam Plow. [Stockton (California) "Daily Independant."] AVILLIAMSON'S IIOAD ^VAG^OlSr This locomotive, for use on common roads, and on exliil)i- tion, under the charge of Mr. Barnaby, in this city, hauled five wagons, loaded with gravel, from Mr. Overhiser' s fann yesterday. Mr. Overhiser tells us that the gravel hauled into Stockton by the locomotive, or steam wagon, at one trip, weighed not less than thirty tons. He believes that it can haul sixty tons. An exliibition of its power in plowing will be given on the land of Hiram Fisher, on the east side of the city, at 2 o'clock next Saturday afternoon. \Extract from letter from Messrs. Campbell & Turton, Sugar Planters, Lapliania Maui, Haioaiian Islands.'] "The Williamson Road Engine, ordered by us through our agents, has arrived safely, and been carefully set up. We have tried the machine, and find it works beautifully, and 40 believe that it will do all that is required of it. We are much pleased with it. On good roads it will be invaluable as a sub- stitute for cattle, as in this warm climate cattle Avill not stand the work. AYe hope you will have more orders from our far- off Isles." To D. D. Williamson, Esq., New York. [Extract from a letter from Clarlc W. Thomjyso?}., Esq., President of tlie Minnesota Soutliern Railroad, dated Wells, Minnesota, October Wi, 1872, ordering a dnj>li- cate jpart to replace a lyiece broken in Ids Williamson Steamer. ] "Please have us a duplicate made as soon as possible. It is getting late in the season, and I liave three thousand acres to ploAv yet, and toe are losing tliirty acres every ten hours. We will have to run her day and night." The breaking plow used by Col. Thom]ison on his thirteen thousand acre farm, consists of iive twentj^-inch plows, attached to a triangular frame, with arrangements for lifting and regu- lating the depth of the plows. Each plow is se^iarate, and can be taken out to be sharpened, which is absolutely necessary in breaking virgin prairie. At the first trial, the steamer drew tliis gang, ])lowing one liundred inches wide, and four inches deep, in a straight line, for a distance of one mik; and back, accomplishing the two miles in thirty-four minutes, the area plowed being a trilie over two acres. At the Great Fair in St. Louis, Mo., in 1871, the diploma was awarded to the Williamson Koad Steamer and Steam Plow, " for til e most important invention relating to agricul- ture, patented within three years." This dix^loma had not been awai'ded for thn^e years, as nothing exhibited had been considered worthy of this sj^ecial honor. The plowing done was one hundred inclies wide, and four and a half inches deep, and the speed three miles per lioiir. The road test was with a train of four wagons, loaded with one hundred and forty men, and the speed was nine miles per hour. 41 At the Savannah, Ga., Fair, tlie large gold medal was awarded to tlie Williamson Road Steamer, (owned by the Georgia Central Railroad.) The steamer had been employed hauling loads, consisting of six logs in trucks, and doing the work of twenty-four mules, on deep sandy roads. Mr. John Young, of Salt Lake, Utah, writes: ''I am perfectly satisfied with my road steamer. I consider the load she has been hauling equal to thirty tons on good wagons." This steamer is now employed hauling silver ores over the mountains in Utah. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WILMINGTON (NORTH CAROLINA) FAIR, 1871, AWARDING THE GOLD MEDAL TO THE WILLIAMSON KOAD STEAMER The undersigned committee, to whom was referred the above named machine, for a full report upon its merits and de- fects, respectfully report : A full test of its capacity was made on the grounds of the Association, around the race track, and for about three-fourths of a mile to and fro over the country road, across one "branch," and out of the road into the pine woods, up a declivity of about one in five, and back again into the fair grounds. The race track is built of a surface of cla}^ about two inches thick, upon a bed of sand ; a load attached to the steamer, composed of a ten-horse engine, on wheels, and four ordinary road wagons, loaded with people, which proved too much, on account, as we believe, of the softness of the track, and the narrow tires of the wagon wheels. With the engine above referred to (weight about six tons), the steamer moved readily around the track, and afterwards drew the four wagons, with full load of people, easily. 42 We understand the proprietors claim that on roads in or- dinary good condition, that the steamer will draw in the wag- ons, with broad tread wheels adapted to the work, twelve tons dead weight. We believe that tliis machine Avill come fully up to the claim. We further believe that in charge of ecnnpetent meclianlcs, these steamers will be useful and economical, as feeders to the railroads in this section of tlie State, and as a good sulhstitute for railroads, where there is diffii.'ulty in inocuring capital for the construction of the latter. Without load on the race track, the steamer moved around, one-half mile in one minute and fortj^-eiglit seconds, or cibout seventeen miles to the hour. The boiler works well, fnruisliijig all steam necessary for the heaviest work. With full loaded train, the speed will be eight miles an hour, on level road in good oider. The road is iinproTcd by the steamer passing over it. In conclusion, Ave think the steamer capable of doing all that is claimed for it. Water tanks are attached, with capacity to furnish water for six miles run ; and bunkers for coal sufficient foi' half day's run. Competent engineer and liienian are all the labor re- quir(}d for a full train. The steamer is well adai)te(l for drawing a gang of live twenty inch plows (or seven twelve inch), and we think will do well in this respect. Airangements are provided I'oj- using the power of the en- gines for driving cotton gins, thrashing machines, or other farming implements requiring steam or horse power. In consideration of the great success of this machine, and its eminent adaptability to work required in this section of the country, the committee recommend an award of the liighest prenuum of the Association — the Gold Medal of the Association. Jno. C. Bailey, C. S. Sehvoss, J. F. Finger, t John Bisset, Wm. L. DeRosset, Arch. Pae, John Colville, H. J. RiSLEY, S. W. Skinner. 43 [From thk "Albany Argus," July 18, 1872.] STEAM TOWINO- ON CANALS. The practica])ility of using steam as a means of towage on our canals, seemed to be fully demonstrated yesterday after- noon, on the section of the canal between lock No. 1 and the arsenal. The motive power used on the occasion was one of Williamson's Road Steamers, under the personal super- vision of the patentee, Mr, D. J). Williamson, of New York. In order to give a correct idea of the working of this road steamer, it will be necessary brieliy to describe its working ])arts. The boiler is fixed on the cross piece of a T shaj^ed frame, vdiich is mounted on three rough iron wheels, having a band of india-rubber around them, four and a half inches thick, by twelve inches broad. The front, or steering wheel, is three feet in diameter, with a twelve inch face, and the side wheel live feet in diameter, with fifteen inch face. The india- rubber band, or face, on the wheels, is protected by a series of steel shields, one inch and a half apart, fastened together by an endless chain, which imbed themselves in the india-rubber facing, as the wheel passes over the ground. The ^Dropelling power is obtained from an engine, consisting of two cylinders ten inches long, and six inches in diameter, which, by means of gear work, turn the side wheels either backward or forward, at the pleasure of the engineer, who sits in front of the boiler, having immediatel}^ in front of him the steering ap- paratus on his right, and on his left a series of levers for start- ing the engine, or throwing the wheels out of gear. The entire weight of the machine is about six tons, and b}^ a simple contrivance the power of the engine is trebled, so as to enable it to ascend the steej)est grades, and the rubber tires on the wheels, in addition to giving them the most perfect adhesion, act as veritable road rollers, rolling the tow path smooth, and keeping it in good repair. The pressure of steam required to enable the engine to draw three barges, is one hundred pounds to the square inch, and that pressure can be kept up with a consumption of one hundred and fifty pounds of coal per hour. 44 At a preliminary trial on Tuesday, the steamer towed three bai'ges (two loaded and one empty), the first mile in thirteen minutes; the second in fifteen minutes, and the third in seven- teen minutes ; it was also proved that tlie steepest grade could be ascended and descended with the greatest ease ; that the engine could turn in its own length, and was under perfect control. The trial before the canal commissioners, however, took place yesterday, when the following commissioners were pres- ent : Messrs. Wright, Fay, and Barclay; also, a deputation from the board of trade of this city. Superintendent North, and others. At the appointed time, the engine ascended the incline from the Troy road to the tow path, and hitched on to one of three bull -head barges, which \vere standing loaded with lumber, south of the arsenal, and having moved it into position, adopted the same course with the second and third, until they were ari'anged as a tow, and properl}^ secured. A rope from the engine having been made fast to the foremost boat, the engine started, and drew them with the greatest ease, at the rate of three and a half miles an hour, to the lock just above the city, where she turned round, and having made fast to another loaded barge, going north, took that in tow with the same result. The greatest satisfaction was expi't^ssed by all pi'osent at the successful working of the steamer, and it must not be for- gotten that it does its work without any change whati'vei- being made either in the canal or boats. The following is an estimate of the comparative ex2:)ense of towing three first class boats from Albany to Buffalo in six days, By the WilUamsori Road steamer. 13 tons of coal, at $6 per ton $72 00 2 engineers (12 days), at $2.50 per day 30 00 2 firemen (12 days), at $1 .50 per day 18 00 Oil and grease, at 50 cents per day 3 00 Repairs, at %\ per day 6 00 Interest on |5,000, at 7 per cent for 7 months 10 00 Depreciation on |t5,000, at 10 per cent, for 7 months 14 00 Towing 3 boats, |153 20 45 Towing 1 boat, |51 iq To make the comparisou with horse towage and expenses of crew, etc., for G days, at $12.03 per day, add $72 18 Interest on cargo for G days, at 96 cents per day, •. 5 7G 77 94 Cost of transportation by 1 boat by road steamer in 6 days 129 04 Cost of transportation by 1 boat by animal power in 10 days. . . . 262 90 Saving per boat by use of road steamer, 4 days and $133 86 By tlte Belgian Hiisteiii. The company estimate a tug to burn 2 tons of coal per daj', and to make the trip in six days, at a running expense of $40 per {^:iy $240 00 Add interest at 7 per cent., and depreciation 10 per cent on cable and tugs for 6 days, per tug 121 42 $361 42 Cost of running road steamer, $153 29 Saving of road steamer over cable towage $208 13 By Fropellor. From the official report of the trips of the Dawson, it is evident that no econ- omy was shown over animal towage, wlien taking into consideration the dimin- ished cargo capacity of the steamboat. [Extract from a letter of D. M. Green, C. E., of Troy {the engineer wppolnted hy tlie Canal Award Commis- sioners to examine all steamboats competing for the 1100,000 'prlze), written after carefully examining the operation of a Williamson Road Steamer, on the Erie Canal, and estlmailng the cost of rnnnlng, etc.'] "I have no doubt you will be able to tow tJiree loaded boats, at a speed of tliree miles per liour, at cme-half tlie pre- sent expense of horse towage." [From the " Albaky Akgtjs," August 2, 1872. J CAISTAL TOWAC^E. ]Mr. O. F. Potter, of West Troy, has written the following- letter to Mr. I). D. Williamson: " Deae Sir: I was present and witnessed the several experi- 46 ments with your road steamer upon the canal between Albany and Troy. After carefully observing the several trials, I am fully convinced that the principle of towing from the bank is the most practical and effectual mode as yet proposed for quickening and cheapening transportation u])on our canals. It leaves the navigator at liberty to patronize this mode or re- fuse it, just as he pleases. "I cannot see any objections to it being applied to towing purposes at once, which can be done by gradual application at different points on the canal. Its strange appearance and noise of steam is nothing more than the circumstance of apply- ing steam, which of necessity has had to be overcome on dif- ferent occasions, for the last forty years." I CTLf-C --60 3 i (f- n - WVIv;-!.".frS5';i^5Bt ,6 ''J7/0-. 2,1^ •:^- o /■' .?< / ' Irf' *► C ^ ^) '3 1- /^-^ "2 "'y ^ 1,1 ,M .11 'I,,! \ LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 002 758 502 4