MANNY'S COMBINED . 
 
 WITH WOOD'S IMPEOVEMENT, 
 
 REAPER AND MOWER, 
 
 MOWER. 
 Over 8,000 sold in the United States the past season. 
 
 MANUFACTURED AT 
 
 HOOSIOK FALLS, N. Y. 
 
 ^ 
 
 ALBANY: 
 
 Weed, Parsons & Company, rKiMTEES. 
 1856. 
 
 L 
 
The original of this book is in 
 the Cornell University Library. 
 
 There are no known copyright restrictions in 
 the United States on the use of the text. 
 
 http://www.archive.org/cletails/cu31924073914297 
 
MAJSfNY'S COMBINED 
 
 eiAPEi iii ilOWEi 
 
 WITH WOOD'S IMPROVEMENT. 
 
 BEAFEB AND MOWEB. 
 
 MOWER. 
 
 Over 8000 sold in the United States the past season. 
 
 MANUFACTURED AT 
 HOOSICK PALLS, N. Y. 
 
 ALBANY. 
 
 Weed, PabsOhs iSe Cohpaht, FaiHTua. 
 
 1856. 
 
s 
 
MANNY'S COMBINED 
 
 MAPmG MD MOWING MACHINE, 
 
 WITH WOOD'S IMPROVEMENT. 
 
 In putting my Machines into market for the harvest of 1857, 1 have the 
 best grounds for believing they will meet an extensive sale, and prove as 
 entirely satisfactory to the farmers and as flattering to the proprietor as 
 they have proved heretofore. Up to this time there has not been another 
 Combined Heaping and Mowing Machine made that has succeeded to an 
 extent that will warrant a manufacturer in building or a farmer In buying 
 it for a Combined Machine ; while my Machines have been so successful 
 for both purposes, reaping and mowing, that in sections of the different 
 states, where they have been sold and used, their reliability is as well 
 established as that of any other implement used by the farmer. 
 
 It is a constant remark among farmers, that they had better wait another 
 year before buying a Combined Eeaping and Mowing Machine, as some- 
 thing new will be out — something later and better ; but the perfection 
 attained in these Machines, as far back as 1853, demonstrates that at that 
 date it would pay a farmer cutting but thirty acres of grass and grain to 
 buy a Machine. 
 
 We have solemnly been promised each year from 1853, by numerous 
 parties and inventors, that the next year they would have ready for harvest 
 a complete and perfectly reliable Combined Eeaping and Mowing Machine ; 
 and not a few farmers have had faith in these promises, and found them 
 selves in the midst of a ripe harvest without help or a Machine to do their 
 harvesting, and the consequences were most disastrous to their crops. 
 
 There is no good reason for believing it will prove otherwise for years 
 to come, for with the great number of patents being issued yearly upon 
 these Machines, none of them combine or embody the right principle for a 
 
successful Combined Machine ; and a great majority of these patents are 
 simply upon some minor or unimportant part of a Machine, and are not 
 taken out by parties aiming at the construction of a complete Machine ; 
 and in cases where they have been taken out by other parties, many of 
 them irresponsible, who may be pretending to make a complete Combined 
 Machine, they have not as yet been made of further use than to form a 
 part of their bills, in which they are inserted with a flourish of premiums 
 which in many cases were never taken. This species of advertising has 
 been made use of to too great an extent,? and the effect is to deceive and 
 damage the farmer. What I say in my bills 1 shall live up to, and no 
 ipsertion shall be made in my bills or advertisements, or any recommen- 
 dations made of my Machine, by me, that a fair trial of the Machine will 
 not fully warrant. 
 
 With these facts and the following testimoninls and reports, fartners who 
 have use for a Combined Reaping and Mowing Machine cannot, with due 
 regard to their own interest, hesitate in ordering one of my Machines. 
 
 With many thanks for the liberal patronage of agents and farmers here- 
 tofore extended to me, 
 
 I am, very truly, 
 
 WALTER A. WOOD, 
 
 Manufacturer and Proprietor, 
 
 Septembbe, 1856. Hoosick Falls, H. Y. 
 
 TESTIMONIALS. 
 
 STATE OF NEW-YORK, ) 
 Le Rot, Genesee Co., N. Y., Sept. 13, 1856. J 
 
 -Walter A. Wood : 
 
 Dear Sir — I have used one of your Combined Machines, purchased 
 of your agent, James R. Flinn, this season, and it has exceeded my expec- 
 tations. I have reaped and mowed over eighty acres with it, and do not hesi- 
 .tate in saying that it is the best Machine in all points I ever saw. I do not 
 know how I could have finished my haying and harvest without it, which I 
 have done with the Machine at a very small expense. It appears to me 
 that every farmer who consults his own interest should purchase one of 
 your Machines, and if they but try one they will not hesitate in saying that 
 Manny's Machine, with Wood's Improvement, is the best in'the world. 
 
 Yours, &o., 
 
 C. COLLINS. 
 
Bergen, Genesee Co., N. Y., Sept, 2, 1856. 
 Walter A. Wood : 
 
 Dear Sir — It is with pleasure that I give a recommendation to the 
 farmers of Western New-York in favor of your Combined Keaper and 
 Mower. I have reaped and mowed over one hundred and fifty acres 
 with it this season. It has worked to my entire satisfiiction, and far ahead 
 of my expectations, for I was in doubt whether a Machine could do both 
 kinds of work well ; but I give it up, and do say that it is the best Ma- 
 chine for Reaping and Mowing that is in use. I can hitch on to it and go 
 into a ten-acre lot with' confidence, knowing that I can cut it down with- 
 out killing my team or being delayed with wet grass clogging, &c., which 
 is a great objection to other Machines used in this part of the state. 
 
 The manner of changing from a Reaper to a Mower gives it a decided 
 preference over any other Machine. 
 
 Yours, &o,, 
 
 WM. MOSIER. 
 
 Bergen, Genesee Co., N. Y., Sept. 13, 1856. 
 W. A. Wood: 
 
 Dear Sir — I purchased and used one of your Combined Machines this 
 season ; have reaped and mowed over two hundred acres with it. I have 
 seen and used almost all kinds of Reaping Machines, but have not found 
 one that seemed to answer all purposes until I tried yours, which cannot be 
 beat in any kind of grass or grain. I give it the preference over all others. 
 
 Respectfully, yours. 
 
 JAMES BRODIE. 
 
 West Webster, Monroe County, August 9, 1856. 
 P. D. Wright : 
 
 Dear Sir — The Manny Combined Reaper and Mower, with Wood's 
 Improvement, which I purchased of you this season, works to my entire 
 satisfaction. I have cut with it grasses, both heavy and light, wheat, 
 rye, barley and oats, about eighty acres in all; and in everyplace all 
 who saw its work acknowledged that it was done better than it possibly 
 could be with a scythe or cradle, it leaves the grain far enrmgh on one 
 side, so that it is not necessary to bind a bundle before you finish cutting 
 the whole piece or lot. No person who cuts fifty acres of grass and grain 
 in my opinion can possibly afl^ord to be without one. I can cut from 
 ten to fifteen acres of grass or grain per day with one span of horses, and 
 the draft is not heavy, nor need you make them travel fast. The slowest 
 walk will do. 
 
 Yours, truly, 
 
 T. VAN ALSTYNE. 
 
 Perrinton, Monroe Co., Sept. 1, 1856. 
 P. D. Wright: 
 
 Dear Sir — I have used Manny's Combined Reaper and Mower, with 
 Wood's Improvement, which I purchased of you, and find it to surpass my 
 most sanguine expectations. 
 
Its adaptation to both Reaping and Mowing, lightness of dra,fit and the ea?e 
 with which it is changed from Reaper to Mower, and the trifling expense 
 of keeping the Machine in repair, are considerations which should comoiend 
 it to the public as the best Machine in use. 
 
 Respectfully, yours, 
 
 WILLIAM ACKLEY. 
 
 South Grkkcb, Monroe Co., N. Y., Sept. 2, 1856. 
 Mr. P. D: Wright : 
 
 Dear Sir — The Combined Reaping and Mowing Machine I purchased 
 of you, made by Walter A. Wood, Hoosicit Falls, is the most perfect 
 Machine of its kind I have ever seen; I have cut about one hundred 
 acres of grass and graifi' with it the past season, some of the grass being 
 clover, and badly lodged. The driver having full control of the Machine 
 to raise and lower it, enables me to do the work much better than in any 
 other way, and at great saving of time and money. 
 
 Its easy draft, freedom from clogging, and simplicity of construction 
 fully justify me in recommending Manny's Combined Machine, with Wood's 
 Improvement, as the best in market. 
 
 Respectfully, yours, 
 
 CHARLES STONE. 
 
 Greece, Monroe Co., N. Y., Sept. 2, 1856. 
 Mr. D. P. Wright : 
 
 Dear Sir — The Reaping and Mowing Machine I purchased of you, 
 made by W. A. Wood, of Hoosio Falls, surpasses my highest antici- 
 pations of the utility of machinery for harvesting. The simplicity of 
 construction and the facility with which it can be changed to adapt it to 
 all'kinds of grain and grass, give it a decided advantage both in economy 
 and convenience over any other Machine that I am acquainted with. I 
 have cut all of my grass and grain, and some for my neighbors, with less 
 than one dollar expense for repairs. 
 
 I therefore take pleasure in recommending your Machine, and hand you 
 the names of five of my neighbors who want the same kind of Machine 
 for the next harvest. 
 
 Yours, respectfully, 
 
 OKRIN SPERRY. 
 
 Canandaigua, Ontario Co., N. Y., Aug.. 18, 1856. 
 Walter A. Wood: 
 
 Dear Sir — I purchased one of your Combined Machines of Messrs. I. 
 S. Cooley & Co. this season, and have cut eighty-five acres of grass and 
 grain without expense for repairs or delay from breakage, and consider it 
 the best Machine I ever saw, and would recommend it to any fatmer 
 wishing to purchase a Machine. 
 
 Very respectfully, yours, 
 
 MINTILLA WARNER. 
 
Canandaigua, Ontario Co., N. Y., Aug. 20, 1856. 
 Walter A, Wood : 
 
 Dear Sir — 1 have used your Combined Machine through my haying and 
 harvest for two seasons. I am gratified in being able to say that it has 
 fully answered my expectations, and I can with confidence say it is the best 
 Combined Machine in use. 
 
 Truly, yours, 
 
 JAMES WYKOFF. 
 
 The following letter was received fr(jm my agent at Canandaigua, On- 
 tario Co., N, Y. : 
 
 Canandaigua, Aug. 20, 1856. 
 Walter A. Wood : 
 
 Sir — Inclosed please find half dozen certificates recommending the Man- 
 ny Machine, with your Improvement. We could send you one from each 
 of the one hundred Machines we have sold, but it is unnecessary. It 
 stands ahead of anything in this section, and will speak for itself. 
 
 Yours, &o., 
 
 J. S. COOLEY & Co. 
 
 Hopewell, Ontario Co., N. Y., Aug. 20, 1856. 
 Walter A. Wood : 
 
 Dear Sir — There are quite a number of Manny's Reaping and Mowing 
 Machines, with Wood's Improvement, in this neighborhood. 
 
 ' I have used one of them for two years, and can say without flattery they 
 work to the entire satisfaction of all who have used them. 
 
 Very respectfully, 
 
 JOHN H. BENHAND. 
 
 Canandaigua, Ontario Co., N. Y., Aug. 20, 1856. 
 Walter A. Wood : 
 
 Dear Sir — I purchased this season of your agents, Messrs. J. S. Cooley 
 & Co., one of Manny's Combined Machines, with \y^ood's'lmprovement, 
 and cut over 150 acres of grass and grain without suffering any expense 
 or inconvenience from breakage. 
 
 I have in seasons past used the Hussey Reaper and Mower and the 
 Ketchum Machine, but give yours the preference on many accounts, and 
 would cheerfully recommend it to any person wishing to purchase a Machine. 
 
 Very respectfully, yours, 
 
 heImry a. sackett. 
 
 Canandaigua, Ontario Co., Aug. 18, 1856, 
 Walter A. Wood : 
 
 Dear Sir— I purchased of your agents, Messrs. J. S. Cooley & Co., one 
 of your Combined Machines, in June, 1855; have used it two seasons in 
 
8 
 
 my own haying and harvest, and lent it to my neighbors when it was not 
 in use. I have suffered no inconvenience or expense from breakage, and 
 would not exchange it for any other pattern of Combined Machine made. 
 I am wjlling to enter the list in reaping or mowing with any Machine, 
 and will do the work easier for the team and cut the stubble closer. 
 
 Respectfully, yours, 
 
 V. P. GREEN. 
 
 Venice, Cayuga Co., Feb. 29, 1856. 
 We purchased and used Manny's Mower and Harvester, with Wood's 
 Improvement, through haying and harvesting last summer, using but one 
 span of horses to cut more than a hundred acres of hay, wheat, barley, 
 oats, bucl<wheat and corn-fodder, in all of which it worked so well and sav- 
 ed so much, not only in expense of hand laborers, but much of the vexa- 
 tion incident upon depending upon inefficient and untrustworthy exployees, 
 that we would by no means be induced to fall back to the former system. 
 We think it saved us, last season, half its cost, to say nothing of the inci- 
 dental advantages arising from saving our crops in the proper season, in 
 proper order, &c. 
 
 Most respectfully, 
 
 E. W. BATEMAN, D. AILS WORTH, 
 A. N. COWAN, S. SISSON. 
 
 Moravia, March IQ, 1856. 
 Mr. Fitch : We feel anxious to express our entire satisfaction in relation 
 to the Machine we purchased of you last year. We run it and cut over 
 one hundred acres of heavy grass, some of it three tons to the acre, and 
 done it better than could have been done by hand and with one-third the 
 expense. We can easily cut ten acres in a day with one team, and with 
 no more fatigue than ordinary plowing. 
 
 Yours, &c., GURDON L. MEAD, 
 SIDNEY MEAD. 
 
 Scipio, Cayuga Co. 
 We the undersigned take pleasure in stating to the farmers of Cayuga 
 county and vicinity that we have used Manny's Patent, with Wood's 
 Improvement, and find it equal in every respect to the recommend. As a 
 Mower, we think it unequaled. We have used it in" reaping oats, that 
 were very badly lodged, and done it easily and with luueh more saving 
 than could have been done by hand. We were also equally well pleased 
 with the use in all other respects, for ease of team, durability, &o. 
 
 HENRY PURDY, T. UNDERIIILL, 
 
 J. HULL, C. HULL, 
 
 S. THAYER, E. II. HUSSEY, 
 
 J. D. HUSSEY, HURAN DANIELS, 
 
 C. TRACY, L. BOTH WELL, 
 
 A. BOTFIWELL, W. WILCOX, 
 
 O. HEWIT, A. AVERY, 
 
 S. BULL, J. V, SMITH. 
 
Scipio, N. Y. 
 
 We have used and been acquainted with the use of Reaping Machines 
 for the last ten years,. and have no hesitation in saying, that we think 
 Manny's Patent, with Wood's Improvement, the best we have ever seen, 
 for all purposes. We have run it with great success in reaping — casting 
 the grain off at the side with ease, and out of the way for the next time 
 around. Our clover was uncommonly heavy, so much so that we could not 
 have cut it by hand ; but with the Machine (and one team) it was easily done 
 at the rate ot ten acres per day. If we could not get another, four times the 
 purchase money would not buy it. 
 
 ISAAC AKIN, 
 PIIILO SPERRY, Jr. 
 
 Scipio, Feb. 18, 1856. 
 
 M. S. Fitch: — I take pleasure in adding my testimony in favor of 
 Manny's Combined Reaper and Mower, with Wood's Improvement, to 
 farmers, as economiciil both in time and labor. The one I purchased of 
 you last season, I tested its qualities in reaping oats that were badly down 
 and tangled by wind and storm, and it performed the work not only much 
 quicker, but materially better than any other way, by not shelling out the 
 grain, and leaving the straw in good shape to bind. Also as a Mower, I 
 not. only think it unsurpassed by any other Machine now in use, but con- 
 sider it an article almost indispensable to the farmer's interest. In point 
 of durability, they only need the ordinary amount of caution to all Ma- 
 chinery. Truly, yours, 
 
 J. K. TALLMAN, 
 We fully concur in the above testimony. 
 
 CHA'S D. FITCH, D. CORNWELL, 
 
 J. C. SMITH, R. B. HUDSON, 
 
 ELISHA BARNES, HIRAM TIFFT, 
 EMERY MACOMBER. 
 
 Covert, Seneca Co., N. Y., Aug. 26, 1856. 
 Mr. Walter A. Wood : 
 
 Dear Sir — The Combined Reaping and Mowing Machine that we 
 purchased of your agent, S. M. Barker, more than surpasses our expecta- 
 tions. We have used and seen used Ketchum's, flassey's, Burrali's and 
 Seymour & Morgan's Machines, and we must say we can do more 
 work, and do it better, with your Combined Machine than any other we 
 have used or seen used, and we prefer yours over all others for its light- 
 ness of draft, smoothness of cut, durability and portability, as it can be 
 moved from field to field as easily as a common ox cart, and Without any 
 extra width of bars or gates. We find ten acres a common day's work 
 with one team. We would recommend it to our brother farmers as the 
 best Combined Machine in use. 
 
 Yours, &c., 
 
 E. S. PRATT, 
 ORTO HORtON. 
 
10 
 
 Camillus, Onondaga Co., N. Y., Sept. 1, 1856. 
 To Walter A. Wood, Esq. : 
 
 Dear Sir — In June, 1855, 1 purchased of G. S. Elderkin, your agent, one 
 of Manny's Eeapers and Mowers, with Wood's Improvement, with which 
 the grass and grain on my farm was cut in 1855 and 1856. The operation 
 of the Machine was satisfactory, and it has proved to me a great labor-sav- 
 ing implement; during the two seasons' use, neither guards or sections have 
 needed repairs. 
 
 I consider it an implement not to be dispensed with on the farm. 
 
 Yours, &c., 
 
 E. MARKS. 
 
 Camillus, Onondaga Co., N. Y., Sept. 9, 1856. 
 W. A. Wood: 
 
 Dear Sir — I have used one of your Combined Reaping and Mowing Ma- 
 chines two seasons ; 1 hesitate not to say that it has saved me at least one- 
 half the expense of the purchase in cutting my grass and grain. I think 
 the draft nearly one-third less than Ketchum's or McCormick's. 
 
 Your Machine needs no certificate of recommendation here ; every farmer 
 that has one is pleased with its operation ; I think there are nine of them 
 owned and used on our street within the distance of three miles. 
 
 Yours, truly, 
 
 WM. PLUMB. 
 
 Manliits, Onondaga Co., Sept. 1, 1856. 
 Walter A. Wood : 
 
 Dear Sir — We have recently tested your Combined Reaper and Mower 
 in harvesting clover seed. We do not hesitate to say that it is the most 
 economical and expeditious mode of gathering it that we ever saw. We 
 cheerfully recommend it to the attention of clover seed growers. 
 
 Respectfully, yours, 
 
 ALLEN H. AVERY, 
 EGBERT E. AVERY. 
 
 Fulton, August, 1856. 
 Mr. Walter A. Wood : 
 
 Dear Sir — Permit me to congratulate you upon the pre-eminent popu- 
 larity of your Mowing and Reaping Machine, and thank you for this 
 valuable contribution to pleasurable and profitable agriculture. 
 
 The facility with which it may be moved from place to place or changed 
 from a Mower to a Reaper, or the mode or adaptation to a high or low cut, 
 or backed up in ease of trouble, or carried over any obstacle, of bracing 
 the outer end and thus adding incomparably to its strength, the admirable 
 form of the guard, which really protects the knife, and at the same time 
 brings the grain or grass compactly up to the cutting edge ; these and other 
 dements of unquestionable superiority, superadded to its unrivaled excel- 
 lence as a close, smooth and reliable cutting and even-spreading Machine, 
 "commend it to the most favorable consideration. My conviction in regard 
 
11 
 
 to the excellence of your Machine is rendered the moix positive by the 
 uniform concurrence of tny neighbors who have used therrK"' 
 With deep interest in all labor-saving machinery, I am, in hagte. 
 
 Yours, &c., 
 
 R. K. SANFORD. 
 
 Pulaski, Oswego Co., N. Y., Sept. I, 1856. 
 Mr. Walter A. Wood : 
 
 Dear Sir — Having used one of your Combined Reapers and Mowers 
 the two pitst seasons with the most gratifying results, I can most cheerfully 
 recommend it to those having' in view the purchasing of a good Machine. 
 Your Miiehine cuts close and smooth, and spreads the grass in the most 
 perfect manner. The draft is comparatively light, and, as it regards porta- 
 bility and adjustability to different heights of cutting and to uneven surfaces, 
 it stands unrivaled. It is capable' of cutting at the rate of an acre per 
 hour, either in grass or grain, and doing the work, better than can be done 
 with a scythe or cradle. In my two years' experience with the Machine 
 (and I have cut the past season seventy-fiye tons of hay), I have not spent 
 an hour of time or a shilling expense to keep it in repair, I have come 
 to the conclusion that, to take it for a series of years, the expense of 
 keeping it in repair and furnishing scythes will not be one-half what I have 
 expended in former years in the purchase of hand scythes alone. 
 
 Yours, respectfully, 
 
 J. N. MEACHAM, 
 
 Rutland, Jefferson Co., N. Y., Auffust 18, 1866. 
 
 Walter A. Wood : 
 
 Dear Sir — I purchased one of Manny's Combined Reapers and Mowers, 
 with Wood's Improvement, of your agents, Messrs. Smith & Cooper, at 
 Adams, Jefferson Co., in June, 1855. It was highly recommended by them, 
 and warranted to be equal to the recommend, or no sale. It more than 
 answered my expectations in lightness of draft, freedom of side drafts 
 evenness of cutting; the short space of time required to change it 
 from a Mower to a Reaper, the ease and quickness with which it is 
 raised or lowered, as the grain to be cut may require, and the perfect or- 
 der for binding the grain is in, as discharged from the Machine. I cut 80 
 acres of grass, rye, wheat, barley and oats, last season, and about the same 
 this season, and can say, with all sincerity, that my grass and grain was 
 never (during the 27 years I have farmed it) cut as close and saved as clean 
 from waste as the past and present seasons, by the help of your Machine. 
 
 I have put up seven of your Machines since the 1st of July last ; they all 
 work first rate; the purchasers are well pleased with them; they were 
 bought from Messrs. Smith & Cooper. . , 
 
 Permit me to say, as experience has taught me, that all the help and la- 
 bor a farmer needs through his hay and grain harvest is the same number 
 of bands usually required, and hired for the season, with the addition of 
 Manny's Reaper and Mower,and the greatest worker of all the help you have. 
 I feel warranted in saying it is the best Machine with which I am acquaint- , 
 ed. The two seasons I have used it, the cost for breakage is only 25 cents 
 in reaping, I always cut on all sides, and find no diffiourlty in so doing witi 
 
12 
 
 the help of the reel, which I consider is indispensable in cutting grain, and 
 absolutely necessary in cutting grass. 
 
 Respectfully yours, 
 
 ASA CLARK. 
 
 Earlville, Madison Co., N. Y., Auff. 10, 1856. 
 
 Walter A. Wood : 
 
 Dear Sit —I have tried the Ketchum Machine and Manny's, with Wood's 
 Improvement, in mowing, and Manny's for reaping ; it does the reaping first 
 rate ; it cuts the grass very clean and nice, cleaner than you can cut it with 
 a cradle. It cuts the grass as well as the Ketchum Machine, and I think 
 with one-quarter less draft. 
 
 Yours, truly, 
 
 LYRAM 0. MILLER, 
 
 Cazenovia, Madison Co., N. Y., Auff. 15, 1856. 
 
 Walter A. Wo on : 
 
 Dear Sir — In regard to the Combined Machine I purchased of you last 
 season, I would say that it far exceeds my expectaiious, especially as a reap- 
 er. I have cut from 45 to 50 acres of grass and from .80 to 35 acres of 
 grain with it each year in a workmanlike mannei', and I think with one-half 
 the expense of cutting with the cradle and scythe. I have broken only one 
 section and one guard in two years. 
 
 Your.s, with respect, 
 
 O. W. LOOMIS. 
 
 Eaton, Madison Co., N. Y., Awff. 18, 1856. 
 
 W. A. Wood: 
 
 Dear Sir — Your Reaper and Mower is fast taking the place of the scythe, 
 the cradle, and other mowing Machines in this county. Several fanners 
 have purchased your Machines who had previously tried other kinds, and 
 some who owned other Machines at the time of purchasing yours, for har- 
 vesting grain, and for mowing side hills or meadows with soft bottom. 
 Your Machine is without competition here. 
 
 Truly, yours, 
 
 E. P. MORSE. 
 
 STATE OF VERMONT. 
 
 Addison, March 20, 1856. 
 I hereby certify that in the spring of 1855 I purchased of J. W. Strong* 
 Esq., one of Manny's Mower and Reaper, with Wood's Improvement, and 
 made use of it on my farm in Addison that seuson to cut all my hay and 
 grain, excepting one piece of 3 acres that was very stony, and it more than 
 answered my expectations. I cut with it more than 90 acres of grass and 
 about 50 acres of grain, on my own farm, and about 45 acres of grass and 
 grain for one of my neighbors. The Machine did the work better and more 
 expeditiously than I can usually get it done with a scythe or cradle. The 
 expense of my Laying and harvesting last season was much less than ever 
 
13 
 
 it had been before. Besides my ordinary help, I usually employ from three 
 to five men for one or one and a half months, at from $20 to $25 each per 
 month, to cut and secure my hay and grain annually ; but tbe last season, 
 having a Machine, I hired but 6^ days of extra help to do all my work, and 
 that was in harvest. 
 
 In 1854 I hired four extra hands for 1^ months and paid them $20 each 
 per month, besides their board, during haying and harvesting, amounting to 
 $120, while last season (1855), with a Mower and Reaper, I paid only S8.- 
 12J for extra help, making a difference, in the actual expense between the 
 two years, of $111.87-|-; add to this sum $24for mowing and reaping with 
 the Machine, for a neighbor, and the amount is $136,87-|-. The Machine 
 cost me $125. I was not obliged to pay one cent for repairs during the 
 season, and, so far as I could perceive, it was in as good order for businef s at 
 the close of the season as when it commenced. I estimate that my Machine 
 paid for itself last season, and, including the board of the men I should have 
 employed if I had no Machine, it earned me more than $30, besides paying 
 for itself. 
 
 DAVID V. CHAMBERS. 
 
 Beidport, Vt., February 6th, 1856. 
 J. W. Stron© : 
 
 Dear Sir — The Combined Reaper and Mower (Manny's, with Wood's Im- 
 provement) which I purchased of you last winter has fully answered my 
 expectations. I mowed about one hundred acres the last summer, consist- 
 ing of all the different kinds of grass, with a light pair of horses, and per- 
 formed the work more to my satisfaction than I ever had it done wiCh a 
 scythe. I also cut some fifteen acres of grain and grass seed with equal satis- 
 faction with the Reaper. The Machine is nearly as easily moved from field 
 to field as a cart, and if carefully managed not very liable to get out of re- 
 pair ; the whole cost of repair on mine, thus far, does not exceed one dollar 
 and a half. In fact, with the present scarcity of laborers, I ' con^der the 
 Machine almost indispensable to the farmer. 
 
 Yours, &c., 
 
 D. P. ROCKWOOD. 
 
 J. W. Steong : 
 
 Dear Sir — The Combined Reaper and Mower (Manny's, with Wood's Im- 
 provement) which I pXirchased of you last winter has fully answered the re- 
 commend that you gave, and I feel perfectly satisfied with the Machine. I 
 mowed between 75 and 100 acres of grass, and my meadows were smoother 
 and looked much better than those that were mowed with a scythe. I cut 
 fiome ten acres of wheat with the Reaper, and I can hereby say that I never 
 had any grain cut so well with any other instrument. 
 
 ALMON WOLCOTT. 
 
 Bridport, March 20, 1856. 
 J. W. Strong : 
 
 Dear Sir — The Mower and Reaper I purchased of you last season (Wood's 
 Improved Patent) did the work well. I have no fear in recommending it 
 to the public. I mowed 100 acres and reaped 30 acres, and the repairs would 
 not amount to over 25 cents. 
 
 Yours, 
 
 J. D. FLETCHER. 
 
14 
 
 YXKGENNES, Jcm., 1855. 
 
 J. W. Strong, 
 
 Dear Sir — The Mowing Machine that I used last season, Wood's Im- 
 proved patent, did the work well, and I have no fear in recommending it to 
 the public. Yours, 
 
 S. P. STRONG. 
 
 March 14, 1856. 
 The undersigned, purchashers of Wood's Improved Machine, from their 
 personal experience can fully endorse the foregoing testimonials. There is 
 no exaggeration in the statements, and the expense of repairs with us have 
 been very trifling; they are not liable to break or get out of repair with 
 ordinary prudence, and we would further say that any farmer who has fifty 
 cares to cut will be amply paid by purchasing one of these Machines. 
 OLIVER ELDRIDGEi AUSTIN SMITH, 
 ROBERT SATTLY, L. ORVIS, 
 
 ORIN HOYT, STEPHEN WILLMARTH, 
 
 H. SOLACE, N. ALLIS, 
 
 A. D. HATCH, E. H. MERRILL. 
 
 Obwell, Feb. 5, 1856. 
 John W. Strong, Esq. : 
 
 Dear Sir — I bought one of Ketchum's Mowers in 1854, found it to be 
 too hard for one span of horses, sold it and purchased one of Manny's, with 
 Wood's Improvement, in 1855; found the draft nearly one-third less than 
 Ketchum's, and it cut the grass equally as well if not better than the Ketchum 
 Machine. THERON B. SMITH. 
 
 WiLLisTON, April 10, 1856. 
 Mr. H. H. DooLiTTLE : 
 
 Dear Sir — The Mower, Manny's, with W. A. Wood's Improvement, with 
 the reel, worked to my entire satisfaction ; I cut from 75 to 100 acres, and 
 used only one span of horses, and after the first few days they would work 
 the Machine as easy as a stubble plow. I found the reel a great benefit, as 
 it enabled me to mow with the wind, and in all kinds of grass, as well as 
 against it. The arrangement of the lever I consider a decided advantage 
 where there is an occasional stump, stone or knoll. And finally, I think the 
 Machine equal to all that is claimed for it by the manufacturers. If mine 
 works as well the coming season as the Isst, and I see nothing to prevent, 
 it will save me enough to pay for the Machine. I do not exaggerate when 
 I say there were more than a hundred men came into the field to' see the 
 Machine at work, and every one seemed satisfied, and most of them expressed 
 themselves that the work was better done than could be by hand. 
 
 • - - Yours, truly, 
 
 GEORGE F. SAXTON. 
 
 Grand Isle, 1856. 
 H. H. DooLiTTiB : 
 
 Dear Sir — The Combined Mower and Reaper I purchased of you last 
 summer has more than met my expectations-, for, notwithstanding all sorts 
 of prejudices, it out without let or hindrance, in the best manner, nearly 100 
 
15 
 
 acres of grass and grain, with not more than 50 cents repairs, and is in good 
 condition to start again. I consider it to be a good labor-saving Machine. 
 In the Improved Machine the draught is balanced by placing the drive wheel 
 behind the off horse, preventing all side draught, leaving the Machine com- 
 pact, light, easy to handle, and in every way just what it should be. The 
 fastest we mowed was one acre in 45 minutes ; the ground was 10 by 16 
 rods, which makes more than ordinary turning. 
 
 Yours, 
 
 NORMAN GOEDON. 
 
 STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA. 
 
 York, York Co., Pa., Sept. Uh, 1856. 
 "Walter A. Wood : 
 
 Dear Sir — The Combined Reaping and Mowing Machines you sent me 
 the past season, although received at a very late date, surpassed my expecta- 
 tion. I sold a number of them. They gave perfect satisfaction. For several 
 years past I have been using McCormick and Atkins' Self-Raker, and must say 
 I can do more work with two horses and your Machine, with less labor, than 
 with any other Machine now in use. 
 
 I would say to farmers, one and all, who are in want of a Combined Ma- 
 chine, to purchase one of Manny's Patent, with Wood's Improvement, by all 
 means ; it can be moved from farm to faim, or from field to field, with as 
 much ease as a wagon. 
 
 Yours, respectfully, 
 
 EMANUEL HERMAN. 
 
 York Co., Pa., Sept. 3, 1856. 
 "W. A. Wood : 
 
 , Dear Sir — After we were done making hay, I heard of your Mowing and 
 Reaping Machine that Mr. E. Herman had. I went to see the Machine, not 
 with the intention of purchasing. When I came to Mr. Herman they were 
 cutting clover for hay that was very strong and tangled every way, but the 
 Machine cut it oflF just as nice as I have ever seen clover cut. I then found 
 that Mr. Herman was your agent. I then concluded I would buy one in the 
 beginning of harvest. Mr. Herman put up one for me ; we then cut our 
 wheat, rye, oats and cloverseed with it; it cut neat and complete, more so 
 than any other Machine that I ever saw. I therefore recommend them to 
 all my friends and neighbors; if they want a good Machine they should buy 
 one of this patent. 
 
 Respectfully, yours, 
 
 JACOB EISENHART. 
 
 York Co., Pa., Sept. 3, 1856. 
 Walter A. W^ood : 
 
 Dear Sir — I purchased one of Manny's Combined Reapers and Mow- 
 ers, with Wood's Improvement, of your agent, E. Herman, with which I 
 mowed my grass aiid grain this season, and hesitate not to say that it more 
 than answered my expectations ; some of the ground was clean, while some 
 of it was rough and stony. Wherever I mowed with it I am satisfied I 
 
16 
 
 realized more hay than I could with a common grass scythe. I feel confi-' 
 dent in recommending it to the JDublic, and that it will give entire satisfaction. 
 It is capable of reaping or mowing from ten to fifteen acres per day with 
 one pair of horses. 
 
 Very respectfully, 
 
 HENEY BEAR. 
 
 York Co., Pa., Sept. 5, 1856. 
 W. A. Wood: * 
 
 Dear Sir — The Combined Reaper and Mower I purchased of your 
 agent, E. Herman, this season, although not coming to hand until harvest, 
 1 gave it afair trial in grain ; it surpassed my expectations. It cut perfectly 
 clean in light or heavy grain, and with a moderate motion of the horses. 
 As for mowing, it came too late to hand, but I am fully satisfied it is equal 
 in all respects, and in some points superior, to any Machine I have yet seen 
 in operation. 
 
 Yours, truly, 
 
 GEORGE BAYLOR. 
 
 Eeanklin Co., Pa., Sept. 8, 1856. 
 Mr. Walter A. Wood : 
 
 Dear Sir — I purchased of your agent one of Manny's Combined Rea- 
 pers and Mowers, with Wood's Improvement, and take pleasure in stating 
 that it worked to my entire satisfaction in every respect. 
 
 All of my neighbors that saw it work give it the preference over all 
 others; some of them have other kinds of Reapers which they consider good. 
 I advise every farmer to purchase one of your Machines if they want to 
 save money in cutting grass and grain. 
 
 I have cut over one hundred acres of grain this harvest with one-fourth 
 the expense that cradling would have cost. As for cutting grass, nothing 
 can beat it. I have cradled for twenty years, and am satisfied that I can 
 throw the grain off" your Machine much easier than cradlmg. I also cut 
 clover seed with it, and done it in the best manner. The draft is very 
 light ; have worked only two horses to my Machine, and consider it easier 
 ■work than harrowing. 
 
 Truly, yours, 
 
 E. D. BROOMBAUCH. 
 
 Wyoming Valley, Pa., Sept. 8, 1856. 
 Waiter A. Wood : 
 
 Dear Sir — The Manny Reaper and Mower, -with Wood's Improve- 
 ment, works admirably ; I have seen none that in all respects could equal 
 it; this is also the opinion of my neighbors who have seen the different 
 Machines in use. I can sell several here next season. 
 
 Respectfully, yours, 
 
 C. DOREANCE. 
 
11 
 
 SocTH MiDDLETON, Cumberland Co., Pa., Aug. 10, 1856. 
 I certify that I have used Manny's Combined Reaper and Mower, with 
 Wood's Improvement, in clover, timothy, wheats rye and oats, this harvest, 
 and that it done its work in each to my entire satisfaction. I would recom- 
 mend it to my fellow farmers as the best Machine for all kinds of cutting of 
 which I have any knowledge. 
 
 ABRAHAM BRADLEY. 
 
 South Middleton, Pa., Aug. 21, 1856. 
 I have used one of Manny's Combined Reapers and Mowers, with Wood's 
 Improvement, the last harvest in wheat and oats; it done its work to my 
 entire satisfaction. I would recommend it as the most convenient Machine 
 for the farmer's use, and the best cutter that I have seen. 
 
 CHRISTIAN HOVE. 
 
 Dickinson Township, Pa., Sept. 3, 1856. 
 W. A. Wood: 
 
 Dear Sir — I purchased one of your Reapers and Mowers last harvest of 
 your agent at Carlisle, and would recommend it as an economical and labor- 
 saving harvesting Machine. I am satisfied that we saved considerable grain 
 by using it, and made cleaner work than I ever did in the old way. In 
 grass it worked to my entire satisfaction. 
 
 RespectftiUy, yours, 
 
 EDWARD W. WEAKLEY. 
 
 Newvjlle, Pa., Auff. 10, 1856. 
 W. A. Wood : 
 
 Dear Sir — After having cut a heavy crop of grass and grain with your 
 Combined Reaper and Mower, which I purchased of Mr. Armstrong, your 
 agent at Carlisle, I would express to you and to my fellow farmers my can- 
 did and confident opinion, that it is the most convenient and durable har- 
 vesting Machine that has been offered in this county, and that it does the 
 best work in all kinds of grass and grain. Its cutting was witnessed by a 
 large number of my neighbors, who, if they have an opportunity, next year 
 will show their appreciation of your skill and enterprize by purchasing a 
 Manny Machine with Wood's Improvement. 
 
 Yours, respectfully, 
 
 JOHN M. WOODBURN. 
 
 Caelislb, Cumberland Co., Pa., Aug. 5, 1856. 
 
 Walter A. Wood : 
 
 Dear Sir — I purchased one of your Combined Reapers and Mowers this 
 season under the following circumstances : having a very large and heavy 
 crop of clover and timothy, I purchased one. of Ketchum's Mowers and 
 commenced cutting clover ; the grass being very heavy and the ground wet, 
 we hitched four mules to the Machine, so as to give it a fast motion, but it 
 
 2 
 
18 
 
 choked and gave us great trouble. While trying to make it cut, your agent, 
 Mr. Armstrong, came along and said he could cut that grass with your Ma- 
 chine and two horses; I told him that if he out it with two horses, without 
 choking, I would buy a Machine ; he took two of the mules out of the Ketch- 
 um Machine and put them to yours, and cut the entire piece without difficulty. 
 I then purchased the Machine and have cut my entire crop of grass with it, 
 and would recommend it' as being the best Mower of which I have any 
 knowledge. I did not try it in grain, but have seen it do good work on ad- 
 joining farms. EespectfuUy, yours, 
 
 JOHN NOBLE. 
 
 South Middleton, Cumberland County, Sept. 8, 1856. 
 W. A. Wood : 
 
 Dear Sir — I purchased one of your Reaping and Mowing Machines the 
 past harvest of your agent at Carlisle, Mr. Armstrong. Its easy draft, to- 
 gether with easy mode of adjusting to any required height by means of a 
 lever, are items of great consideration. The ease with which it is converted 
 from a Mower to a Reaper, and vice versa, are also important advantages it 
 has over all others that I have seen. In cutting grass it cannot be excelled, 
 and in grain it is superior to any that I have seen. We made cleaner work 
 this harvest than when we used cradles and the binders carried the rakes. 
 The Machine is well made of good materials, and cannot fail to give satis- 
 faction wherever fairly tried. You may calculate on selling a large number 
 in this county next year. 
 
 Yours, respectfully, JOSEPH A. STUART. 
 
 South Middleton, Cumberland Co., Pa., Aug. 22, 1856. 
 W. A. Wood : 
 
 Dear Sir •— I purchased one of your Combined Reapers and Mowers last 
 harvest of your agent, Mr. Armstrong, and cut a large crop of grass and grain 
 ■with it. 1 found it to be well made and durable, giving very little trouble 
 by breaking or getting out of order. Its cutting apparatus cannot be ex- 
 celled by any Machine that has been offered in this county. 
 
 I would recommend it to farmers as a convenient and economical Machine. 
 Respectfully, yours, JOHN RUDY. 
 
 MARYLAND. 
 
 Emmettsburg, Frederick Co., Md., July 29, 1856. 
 Walter A. Wood : 
 
 Dear Sir — I have just finished my harvest ; I have made nearly one 
 hundred and seventy-five tons of hay, also a fair crop of wheat and oats, 
 all of which was taken off with the Reaper. I purchased of your agent 
 at Frederick City. Several of my neighbors have McCormick's, but 
 since they have seen mine in operation they regret their purchase. I 
 am convinced that by the next harvest at least twenty-five of your 
 Machines can be disposed of in this vicinity. 
 
 Yours, respectfully, JOSEPH BRAWNEE. 
 
19 
 
 Washington Co., Md., Sept. 2, 1856. 
 W. A. Wood: 
 
 Dear Sir — I have used one of Manny's Patent Combined Reaper and 
 Mower, with Wood's Improvement, the past season. It is the most perfect 
 thing I have ever seen for both cutting grass and grain ; in my opinion, it 
 is the best Combined Machine in use. From the lightness of its draft and 
 convenience of operation, it is admirably adapted to the. wants of ail far- 
 mers. It cuts the grain well, leaving the stubble even at any desirable 
 height. It mows complete. Nothing will compare with it, as to forlcing 
 the grain off. It is very easily accomplished, and in good order. 
 
 Respectfully, yours, 
 
 JOHN H. CLAGETT. 
 
 West River, Md., Nov. 7, 1855. 
 Mr. Walter A. Wood : 
 
 Dear Sir — I have used one of your Combined Reaping and Mowing 
 Machines the past season. Its easy draft, together with the admirable 
 adjusting principle, are items of great consideration. Twenty seconds is 
 sufficient to convert it from a Reaper to a Mower, and vice versa. The 
 driver has full control of the Machine, to raise and lower it at his will, 
 with lever power, and while the Machine is in motion. The advantage is 
 invaluable in cutting lodged grass or grain. Your Reaper will cut on all 
 sides of a piece of grain, superseding the necessity of carrying swaths or 
 stopping half an hour to raise or lower by bolts, as is the case with other 
 Reapers. I consider it the best Combined Machine now in use. 
 
 Respectfully, yours, 
 
 CHARLES C. STEWART. 
 
 STATE OF VIRGINIA. 
 
 Wheeling, Va., Aug. 21, 1856. 
 W. A. Wood, Esq. : 
 
 Dear Sir — For two years I had used Ketchum's Mower, owning the 
 first one in this part of the state. Being satisfied of the advantage of 
 Machines in harvest, and having both grain and grass to cut, I made 
 arrangements to introduce your Machine. It being untried in this section, 
 and consequently unknown, it was with difficulty I could persuade farmers 
 to take hold of them ; but after the harvest commenced, and they saw for 
 themselves the Machine worked so much better than they had seen before 
 or expected to see, that I could have sold five times the number I had 
 ordered. With my own Machine I cut seventy acres grass and grain ; the 
 grain was cut beautifully, and was easily forked off in good order for bind- 
 ing. With the Reapers heretofore used here this was a hard job. I 
 decidedly. prefer it ' to Ketchum's for mowing, as it is a lighter draft and 
 admits of a much slower motion of the team. Where the bottom is 
 smooth I can cut lodged grass well, no matter in what direction it lays. 
 
 Jacob Brunce cut eighty-five acres with one of your Machines ; is well 
 pleased with it, and says it works better, either as a Reaper or a Mower, 
 than any Machine he has seen, and would not take $200 for it. 
 
20 
 
 Mr. Gregg cut one hundred. and twenty acres grain and grass; is well 
 pleased with its performance, and says his Machine is only worn snaooth 
 and brightened for future use. 
 
 R. Ridgeley & Son have cut over one hundred acres. The Machine 
 worked to their entire satisfaction. Mr. R. says five of his neighbors who 
 saw the Machine work want Machines next year. 
 
 Respectfully, yours, 
 
 R. H. WILSON. 
 
 Waeren County, Va., Awgmt 12, 1856. 
 Having had a full opportunity of seeing the operation of Manny's 
 Reaping and Mowing Machine, with Wood's Improvement, in cutting a 
 mixed crop of clover and rye on the farni of Mr. J. M. Hite, of Clarke 
 county, Va., I hereby certify that I am entirely satisfied with its con- 
 struction and performance, and think it scarcely possible, as a Mower, it 
 could.be surpassed, in other words its work seemed to me perfect. 
 
 SAMUEL COOK. 
 
 White Post P. 0., Clarke Co., Va. 
 
 This is to certify that I used one of Manny's Reaping and Mowing Ma- 
 chines, with Wood's Improvement, in cutting a portion of my crop of wheat- 
 It does its work perfectly, and is the simplest, most durable and the easiest 
 draft of any Reaping Machine I have ever seen. McCormick's, Hassey's 
 and the Self-Raker have been introduced here previous to this Machine, but 
 I prefer this to any of them. 
 
 WM. W. MEADE. 
 
 TENNESSEE. 
 
 Nashville, Tenn.,,jMMe 11, 1856. 
 
 This being the day for the trial of Reapers, the following Machines ap 
 peared on the grounds. \ Manny's Combined, with Wood's Improvement 
 Mann's Revolving Canvass Deliverer; New- York Reaper — self raker; and 
 Wright's, Atkin's Self-Raker. The test commenced by each Machine cut- 
 ting a swath round a twelve-acre wheat field, the Judges following and ex- 
 amining minutely. After each Machine had gone round, the Judges re- 
 quested the crowd not to follow on the second round ; the managers of 
 each Machine explaining the advantages of his Machine, and showing how 
 to' change it from a Reaper to a Mower, &c. All the Machines but Wood's 
 had a man from the manufacturing establishment on the ground to manage 
 their Machine. After the last Machine drove out, one of the Judges called 
 me out and bought five Machines, and before I left the ground I sold fifteen. 
 I sold twelve on the day of the mowing trial', which, with those sold before, 
 takes all you have sent me this spring ; no other Machine was sold on either 
 day. They offer to sell on any terms, and the man to pay for it when he 
 wants to, which has compelled rae to sell some on half cash, and half first 
 of October. Yours, respectfully, 
 
 B. F. CilEATHAM. 
 
31 
 
 White Post P. 0., Clarke Co., Va., Aug. 1, 1856. 
 This is to certify, that ray, son, 1. 1. Hlte, used on my farm, in Clarke Co., 
 Va., two of Manny's Reaping and Mowing Machines, with Wood's Improve- 
 ment, in securing between 250 and 300 acres of wheat, oats and grass ; af- 
 ter the horses were trained a short time, iny two grandsons, one 14 years of 
 age and the other only 11, drove the Machines throughout the harvest ; per- 
 fect satisfaction was given in grass and wheat to myself and numerous visi-. 
 tors. I out the lodged or damp grass and wheat with apparent ease, withon^ 
 clogging. The draft is light for two horses. The Machines are simple and^ 
 durable, one of which cut 100 acres last harvest. I regard them vastly su- 
 perior to the McCormick and Hassey Machines, which have been in use 
 here for the past 12 years. 
 
 JAMES MADISON" HITE. 
 
 STEVENSBnRQH P. 0., Frederick Co., Va., Aug. 12, 1856, 
 Having used Manny's, with Wood's Improved, justly celebrated Reaper 
 and Mower, it gives me pleasure to testify to its perfect operation in grain or 
 grass, where the land is adapted for the use of any Machine of the kind. It 
 cuts lodged grain or grass with great facility, when leaning towards it. Its 
 strength and durability, with its perfect construction of every part, place it 
 in the first rank of any Machine I have ever seen. No Reaper could have 
 more strength, and at the same time work as easily to two horses. 
 
 WM. 8. JONES. 
 
 Millwood Post-office, Clarke Co., Va., June 20, 1856, 
 We, the undersigned, having had full opportunity of seeing the ope- 
 ration of Manny's Reaper and Mowrer, with Wood's Improvement, in 
 cutting a mixed crop of clovers, timothy and rye, on the farm of J. M. 
 Hite, Clarke county, Va., do hereby certify that we are entirely satisfied 
 both with its construction and performance. We believe it to be superior 
 to any of the Machines hitherto introduced into this part of the country 
 both in construction and performance. 
 
 E. W, MASSEY, O. R. FAUSTEIN, 
 P. A. MEADE, HUGH M. NELSON, 
 
 F. B. MEADE, N. B. WHITING, 
 
 WM. B. HARRIS, NATHANIEL BAR WELL, 
 J. M. MASON, R, W, TIMBERLAKE. 
 
 NiNEVAH Post-office, Warren Co., Va., August, 1856. 
 We, the undersigned, witnessed the operation of two of Manny's Reap- 
 ers and Mowers, with Wood's Improvement, upon the farm of Mr. J 
 M. Hite, of Clarke county, Va., about the close of harvest. The Ma- 
 chines were driven by two boys, 11 and 14 years of age, with apparent 
 ease to two horses. The work was well done. We passed over the 
 grass field and a heavy field of wheat that had been cut with the Reap- 
 ers, and considered the work perfectly done. The Machines appeared 
 simple and durable. We regard them as the best Reaping and Mowing 
 Machine yet introduced in this part of the state. 
 
 EDWIN BOWEN, A. J. BOWEN, 
 WALTER BOWEN, RICHARD WAGONER. 
 
22 
 
 CANADA. 
 
 CoMPTO^f, Canada East, June 6, 1856. 
 Walter A. Wood : 
 
 Sir — I purchased last year one of Manny's Reaping and Mowing 
 Machines, manufactured by yourself, which I worked with good success. 
 My opinion is that the Machine is capable of mowing one acre per hour, 
 say \i acres per day; the ground should be cleaned from small stones. 
 I obtained the first prize for Reaper, also the first prize for Mower, at 
 our Provincial Show at Sherbrook, in the year 1855, and can cheerfully 
 recommend the use of it to the public as a labor-saving Machine. 
 
 Yours, 
 
 B. POMROY. 
 
 I'rom the Montreal Transcript, July 16th, 1856. 
 Trial op Mowing Machines. — A trial of Mowing Machines came off 
 on Monday,, in a large field on Mr. Logan's farm, adjoining the Papineau 
 Road. A considerable number of farmers and others interested in agri- 
 culture were on the ground. Only three Machines were brought forward 
 to compete; two of United States manufacture, and one made by Mr. 
 Moody, of Terrebonne; One of the United States Machines was on the 
 same principle as Mr. Moody's, and was from the manufactory of Mr. 
 N. F. Ketchura,. at Boston ; the other was made in New- York, being one 
 of Manny's patent, which took the first prize at the Paris Exhibition, 
 with Wood's Improvement, and belonged to Mr. Smith, of Lachine. 
 The Judges were Messrs. E. Quinn, Donald Drummond and George 
 Smith. After one or two trials of the different Machines — each drawn 
 by two horses — three acres of grass (clover and timothy) were measured 
 out for their trial. Each mowed its acre in about the same time, viz., 
 33 minutes, but,, after a minute examination, the Judges decided in favor 
 of Manny's Machine, its work being, in their opinion, better done, the 
 mowing being closer than that by the others. It is calculated that these 
 Machines, with a driver and a couple of horses, will mow ten acres in a 
 • day,, which would, fully occu,py five men vviih their scythes. The farmer 
 will at once see what an immense saving of labor can be effected by their 
 use. Their cost varies from $l20ito $150. Mr. Hagar, St. Paul-street, 
 is agent for the sale of Manny's Improved Machine, and will give intend- 
 ing purchasers every information regarding them. 
 
23 
 
 THE PARIS EXHIBITION. 
 
 IMPORTANT TO AMERICAN EXHIBITORS AT THE FRENCH 
 CRYSTAL PALACE, 
 
 LBTTBB FROM ALEXANDER VATTEMARB TO GOV. CLARK. 
 
 The following letter has been received by Gov. Clark from Mr. Vatte- 
 mare, who was charged with the distribution of Diplomas to American 
 Inventers. Accompanying it are the Diplomas destined for citizens of this 
 state : 
 
 Paris, August 4, 1856. 
 To his Excellency the Governor of the State of New -York: 
 
 Sir — The labors of the several committees of the International Jury of 
 the Universal -Exhibition prevented the Diplomas destined to accompany 
 the Medals and Honorable Mentions from being delivered at the same 
 lime, immediately at the close of the Exhibition. The Medals destined to 
 foreign exhibitors were received by the Commissioners of their respective 
 nations, and distributed at home publicly, on a special day appointed for 
 the purpose by the head of the Executive. Most of the Medals awarded to 
 American citizens were received in Paris, either by themselves or by their 
 agents. The Diplomas for the Medals, as well as the Honorable Mentions, 
 destined for the United States, are now ready, and it was thought that the 
 Governors of the several states whose citizens obtained prizes, would feel 
 disposed to pay an additional honor to their fellow citizens by having their 
 Diplomas delivered officially to them. It is for that reason that his Excel- 
 lency, the United States Minister here, was kind enough to take charge of 
 said Diplomas and forward them to the State Department, thence to be 
 transmitted to the Executive of each state to whom they are destined. 
 
 The following is the list of the Medals and Honorable Mentions awarded 
 to American citizens for Reaping Machines : First prize, Gold Medal, withi 
 six hundred francs premium, to Manny for Reaping Machine. A second 
 prize Medal, silver, with four hundred francs premium, to Mr. McCormiok. 
 
24 
 
 EEPORTS 
 
 The following report from the Courtland American. Courtland Co., N. 
 Y., July 17, 1856. 
 
 To Israel Boies, Esq., President of the Coetland County A&ricultueal 
 SociBTr : 
 
 The Committee on Mowing Machines respectfuly report : 
 
 The trial which took place under our eye, to-day, was made under de- 
 cidedly unfavorable circumstances. The grass (clover and timothy — the 
 former preponderating) was very stout and somewhat lodged. The meadow 
 was newly seeded, very rough at bottom, and so stony that the cutting- 
 blades of all the Machines repeatedly struck stones and one had a cutting- 
 blade broken. There was also a steep declivity of a few yards in the 
 middle of the field. Machines of three varieties were entered. 
 
 1. Manny's, with Wood's Improvement, by Mr. Bosworth, of Truxton. 
 
 ■2. The same, by Norman Kingman, of Cortlandville. 
 
 S. The Ohio Machine, by George Murray, of Homer. 
 
 4. Ketchum's Machine, by J. Barber, of Homer. 
 
 5. The same, by Moses Kinney, of Truxton. 
 
 Judging as well as they could, under the unfavorable circumstancesalready 
 mentioned, and with nothing to guide them as to ease of draught but the 
 appearance of the teams, the committee were unanimously of the opinion 
 that Nos. 1 and 2 (Manny's, with Wood's Improvement) were the easiest 
 of draught. They also considered it as a little more portable and conveni- 
 ently handled than Ketchum's, by reason. of the wheel at the end of the 
 bar to which the knives are attached. 
 
 For goodness of werk, the committee were unable to decide between 
 Manny's and Ketchum's Machines. 
 
 The Ohio Machine was a new untried one, drawn by horses wholly un- 
 used to working before a Machine, and the manager of it was wholly in- 
 experienced in the business. Under these circumstances, the committee 
 thought it would be unfair to pass any judgment whatever on the Machines, 
 and they do not wish to be understood as doing so. 
 
 The Machine' which had a cutting blade broken was No. 2, entered by 
 Mr. Kingman, and it was thrown by this accident out of the competition. 
 
 The committee awarded the first premium to Mr. Bosworth, of Truxton _ 
 
 DAVID MATHEWS, Truxton. 
 JOSIAH W. ROOD, Hartford. 
 HENRY S. RANDALL, Cortlandville. 
 JAMES COWAN, 
 WM. P. RANDALL, 
 CYRUS H. HARRIS, Preble. 
 RICHARD S. VAN HCESEN, Preble. 
 HORACE BRONSON, Virgil. 
 LYMAN HUBBARD, Homer. 
 
25 
 
 The committee appointed by the Chemung Co. Agnoultural Society, for 
 the purpose of examining the different Mowing Machines competing for the 
 premiums offered by the Chemung Co. Agricultural Society, most respect- 
 fully report : That after carefully examining the merits of the Machines on 
 the ground, award the first premium to Walter A. Wood, Hoosick Falls ; 
 the second to J. D. Burrall, of Geneva, and the third to the Ketchum Ma- 
 chine, as manufactured by Buggies, Nourse & Mason, of Boston and Wor- 
 cester, Mass. 
 
 The committee were a long time in choosing between the three Machines 
 above mentioned, and regard all of them as worthy the confidence of the 
 farming community. 
 
 SAMUEL C. SMITH, ) 
 
 JAMES B. THOMPSON, [ Committee. 
 
 EDMUND MILLER, ) 
 
 C. M. Weed, Reg. Cor. Sec'y. 
 
 Utica Morning Herald, July llth, 1?58. 
 
 REPORT ON MOWING MACHINES. 
 
 At the trial of Mowing Machines by the Oneida County Agricultural 
 Society, on the farm of S. M. Mason, in the town of New Hartford, on 
 Thursday, June 26thj 1856, the following Machines were entered for 
 competition : Ketchum's Patent Mower, by Morgan L. Butler, agent. 
 New Hartford ; Manny's Patent Mower, by Danafe Co., Utica; Allen's 
 Patent Mnwer, by Thos. Foster, agent, Utica; Gale's Patent Mower, 
 by James Merriman, ngent, Oriskany. 
 
 The undersigned, to whom was referred the award of premiums, would 
 respectfully report ; That the duty imposed upon them is found to be not 
 a very desirable one. Where all did so well it would seem to be almost 
 presumption to make any decision; but, as decide we must, we proceed 
 to the task with the hope that it will be satisfactory to all concerned, aa 
 neither of us have owned or now own either of the kinds of Machines. 
 
 So far as the execution of the work of the different Machines entered 
 for competition w'as developed, the committee feel disinclined to award 
 to either competitor any great degree of superiority in the performance 
 of their Mowers. The exhibition evinced a remarkable degree of skill 
 and ingenuity in the arrangement of the different parts of each Machine, 
 and also for the satisfactory manner each performed its work. Each 
 seemed to have its friends and advocates, as strong in their opinions and 
 prejudices. The feeling evinced was owin^ to tlie successful perform- 
 ance of each and every Machine tried, as the perfection of all the im- 
 provements in the implements furnished spoke their own praise. The 
 whole exhibition was a complete success, as none failed, to do what had 
 been claimed for it. 
 
 It is not too much to say, that we do not think that any Machine has 
 conquered another, as there was no giving in on the part of either com- 
 petitor or their friends ; all were determined that good and bad qualities 
 should be exhibited alike, a thing very unusual where pets are concerned. 
 
 Manny's Patent Reaper and Mower, with Wood's Improvement, manu- 
 factured by Cranston & Co., Hoosic Falls, Rensselaer Co., N. Y., is 
 arranged with steel cutter bars, knives and knife bars. The Machine is 
 
26 
 
 balanced on the axles of the wheels, and by means of the joints and levers 
 the cutter bar can be elevated or depressed from one to fifteen inches, by 
 the driver, while the Machine is in motion. A reel is attached, or can 
 be attached, for cutting fine grass in windy weather. They exhibited 
 two Machines, one a single Mower and the one a Combined Reaper and 
 Mower. The committee think this Mower — taking all its qualities into 
 consideration — as probably the most desirable. It appeared to be ihe 
 lightest of draft, is easily moved from one part of the field to the other, 
 and by means of the lever at the driver's command, can be raised clear 
 of any obstacle not over fifteen inches in height while under motion, 
 which is a great feature in it. It executes its work equally as well as 
 the other, but not to be preferred on that account. We award to this 
 Machine the first premium. 
 
 Ketchucn's Patent Mower and Reaper, manufactured by Howard & Co., 
 of Buffalo, Erie Co., N. Y., is built almost entirely of iron; is strong, 
 and must be very durable. The knives or cutters being placed upon the 
 ground and the geering above, allows all, obstacles to pass under. Were 
 the cutter bar so contrived as to raise it clear of obstacles, as in the Manny 
 Mower, we think it would be its equal. The cutter bar of this Machine is 
 in line with the driving wheel, thereby giving a balance to the Machine 
 ■when passing over uneven surface. This Machine is also provided with 
 attachments for reaping, and is readily changed fijr pne purpose or the 
 other. Its mowing was not excelled by any Machine on the ground. It 
 does not appear as light of draft as some others, but the difference does 
 not seem to be a serious objection, as it cannot be very great. The com- 
 mittee award to this Mower the second premium. 
 
 Allen's Patent Mower, manufactured in New-York, by R. L. Allen & 
 Co. — This Machine is very compact in form, and light. When under way 
 the cutter bar has a very rapid motion, and it trembles very much, it 
 performs its work as satisfactorily as either of the others, and the only 
 question is as to its durability, the frame being of wood. We would think 
 the frame work too light for the high motion of the cutter ; were it strong- 
 er in its construction the objection might be obviated. With the light 
 draft of this Mower -^ one of its good qualities — should be added a sub- 
 stantial frame that would prevent the trembling or vibration. This 
 Machine also has an attachment to raise or lower the cutter bar to clear 
 obstacles or pass from one place to another at the command of the driver. 
 
 Gale's Patent Mower, manufactured at Poughkeepsie, Dutchess Co., N. 
 Y. — This Mower also, last but not least, seemed to attract equal attention 
 with the others. It has no seat for the driver to ride, and the cutter bar is 
 managed by a lever extended back of the Machine. It is geared quite 
 different from the others, using no bevel gears, it is very strong, and, as 
 far as we could judge, the least complicated of all. It runs light, cuts as 
 smoothly and perforins its work a,s well as could be desired. The lever is 
 at conunand of the driver to raise the cutter bar clear of obstacles and 
 uneven ground. The committee understand that three premiums were 
 offered by the Society, but as the two last mentioned Machines were some- 
 what deficient in certain parts, though not differing in their qualities, the 
 committee have thought best not to award the third premium, believing it 
 would be an act of justice not to discriminate between the Mowers made 
 by Allen and Gale. 
 
27 
 
 In conclusion, we ought to mention that we had no instrument to test 
 the draft of either Miicbine. We have spoken of the lightness of draft 
 from what was quite apparent in the movements and labor of the horses, 
 
 L. T. MAESHALL, 
 ANSON RIDER, 
 H. R. HART, 
 Utica, June 26, 1856. Committee. 
 
 From the Harriabnrg (Pa) Daily Herald, July 22, 1856. 
 THE FINAL TRIAL OF REAPING MACHINES. 
 
 An interesting and final trial of Reaping Machines occurred yesterday 
 morning in an oat field belonging to Mr. David J. linger, about a mile 
 above our borough, which was witnessed by three or four hundred specta- 
 tors, many of whom were highly intelligent farmers, who had come from a 
 distance to ob.serve the practical working of these great labor-saving 
 Machines. The weather was remarkably auspicious for the occasion, and 
 the field presented just that uniformity of level requisite for a complete 
 test of the merits of the respective apparatus. The Machines entered were 
 Manny's, with Wood's Improvement, and Atkins', both of which were 
 thoroughly in order for thd contest. Several rounds were made by each of 
 the Machines preliminary to the grand trial, which was witnessed with great 
 interest by the spectators, and enabled them to prejudge their respective 
 merits, which as far as we heard was pretty generally unanimous in favor 
 of the Manny Machine. At lO o'clock a committee consisting of Jno. 
 Riley and Samuel Denning proceeded to appoint the following named 
 gentlemen as Judges, viz : Jacob Garman, Sheriff, Hoffman, Jacob Fitting, 
 Christian Hummel and John Bankus. These gentlemen then proceeded to 
 the rear of the Atkins' Machine, and followed it over the field, critically 
 examining its workings, the cut of the swarth, and the manner in which 
 the Raker deposited the oats, after which they took a similar position at the 
 Manny Machine, following it in like manner over the field. The agpnt of 
 the Atkins' Machine objecting to the driver, and raker attached to the Manny 
 apparatus, Mr. Jno. Riley was selected as its driver, and the gentlemen 
 composing the committee took turn about in performing the raking duty. 
 A second round was given to each of the competing Machines, after which 
 the Judges retired t'o make up their verdict. In about twenty minutes they 
 returned, and Sheriff Hoffman, mounting the fence, proceeded to deliver 
 the report of the Judges. He stated that they had given to both of the 
 Machines a critical exanjination, that neither gentlemen of the committee 
 had formed a prior opinion, and that no outside influences had been brought 
 to bear on their action ; that the committee were unanimous in their 
 preference for the Manny Muchme, as being the simplest in construction, 
 the cleanest in its cut and the easiest on horses. The announcement was 
 received with applause by the spectators, as coinciding precisely with their 
 already formed views. Mr. McKie, the agent of the Manny Machine, 
 thanked the committee for their services on the occasion, after which the 
 spectators began to withdraw, highly pleased with the trial. The follow- 
 ing is the report of the committee : 
 
28 
 
 ITarrisbubg, July 21, 1856. 
 The undersigned, a committee of Judges, appointed at a trial of Reaping 
 Machines, which came off in an oats field belonging to Col. D. J. Unger, 
 about a mile above Harrisburg, to decide upon the respective merits of the 
 Atkins' Self-Raking and Mowing Machine, and Manny's Reaper, with 
 Wood's Improvement, unanimously give their preference to Manny's 
 Machine as being the simplest, performing the neatest work, and easiest 
 on horses. 
 
 J. D. HOFFMAN, CHRISTIAN HUMMEL, 
 JACOB FITTING, JACOB GARMAN, 
 JNO. BANKUS. 
 
 '-From ihe York (Pa.) Eepublican, July 2d, 1856. 
 
 Trial op Reahno Machines. — There was a trial of Reaping and 
 Mowing Machines on the farm of Adam Herman, of this county, on 
 Wednesday last. The contest was between Manny's and Atkins' Ma- 
 chines, and it will be seen by the following certificate that the first 
 named (Manny's Machine, with Wood's Improvement) was declared the 
 victor at the trial. The general principles on which this award was 
 made were its freedom from side draft, lightness of draft, adjustability 
 of the Machine to uneven surfaces, simplicity of construction, and the 
 facility with which the Machine is changed from reaping to mowing. 
 Mr. Adam Herman is the agent for Manny's Machine, with Wood's Im- 
 provement, for this county ; and all orders left with him for them will 
 be promptly attended to, and information given as to their usefulness. 
 The following is the certificate alluded to above : 
 
 June 25, 1856. 
 At a meeting «f farmers, on the field of Adam Herman, called to see 
 the operations of several grass-cutting Machines, we witnessed a trial 
 between Atkins' and Manny's, all things being equal, as nearly as cir- 
 cumstances would admit. Manny's Machine did the best work. 
 
 DAVID SMYSER, CHRISTIAN BUEHLER, 
 
 PETER HEINDEL, JOHN NEIMEN, 
 HENRY SMYSER, of Peter. 
 
 From the American Democrat (Carlisle, Pa.) July 3d, 1856. 
 
 Manny Ahead. — On a trial of Manny's Reaper and Mower, a few 
 days since, by Mr. John Noble, in a marshy piece of ground, covered 
 with a very heavy crop of timothy and clover, the superiority of this 
 Machine was fully established. A Machine which Mr. N. previously had 
 in use proved unequal to the task, and Manny's was tried by him wiih 
 misgivings; but so well was the work performed that he would not suffer 
 the Machine to be taken away and at once purchased it, and is now 
 buisily engaged cutting his crops with the Manny. Machine, which con- 
 tinues to work with entire satisfaction. 
 
29 
 
 From the Democratic Whig (Belfast Pa ), July 9. 
 
 Exhibition and Trial of Mowing and Reaping, Machines at Oak- 
 wood farm, near Bellefoiite, July 7th, 1856. — Prior to 4 o'clock P. M., 
 the hour appointed for the trial, five Machines were upon 'the ground : 
 the Manny Machine, with Wood's Improvement, represented by Gr. W. 
 McKee, agent, Harrisburg, Pa. ; the Hussey Machine, represented by 
 Gettis Marsh & Co., of Lewisburg, Union Co., assignees of the Patentee ; 
 Deits & Dunham's Improved Kara Machine, represented by Geo. V7. 
 Siebert, of Millheim, Centre Co., assignee of the Patentee ; the McCor- 
 mick Machine of 1852, entered by H. N. McAllister as the Machine with 
 which he had harvested grass and grain successfully for four years at 
 Oakwood ; and the McCormick Machine of 1855, entered by Jeremiah 
 Eckenroad, of Spring township. 
 
 Christian Dale, of Harris ; James Alexander, of Boggs, and James 
 Armor, of Spring, having, on motion, been appointed a committee to 
 select Judges, reported that they had appointed James Gordon, of Walk- 
 er ; John J. Thompson, of Huston ; Wm. Davidson, of Boggs ; James 
 Glenn, of Harris ; Wm. Baird, of Spring. 
 
 Report. 
 
 To ike Farmers of Centre county the undersigned Judges, appointed as 
 above, most respectfully report : 
 
 That the McCormick Machine of 1852, performed in grass only — of 
 1855, in grain only. All the other Machines performed both in grass 
 and grain. One end of the field was a heavy crop oi timothy and clover ; 
 the other end was a heavy crop of clover, most of which had fallen to 
 the southeast. Each Machine made three rounds. The McCormick 
 Machine, attended by the driver and a man to clear the Machine, per- 
 formed well and made good work on the northwest and east, but made 
 long stubble and clogged occasionally on that part of the south side 
 covered with clover only, cutting in the same direction in which the 
 clover had fallen. 
 
 The Manny Machine, with Wood's Improvement, attended hy the 
 driver alone, made good work on the three sides, and better work on the 
 south side than any Machine on the ground, and did not clog. 
 
 The Hussey Machine, attended by a driver and a raker, did mowing 
 well. 
 
 The Kam Machine, in a great measure, failed ; the committee think, 
 principally from want of a sufficient motion in the sickle. 
 
 To prevent delay, the McCormick Machine of lS.i5 had been fitted 
 up for reaping in the wheat field, to which the other Machines, on being 
 changed to Reapers, were immediately transferred. 
 
 The McCormick Reaper here again led oif. The committee were 
 much pleased with the operation of the Machine, as a Reaper, 
 
 The Manny Machine, with Wood's Improvement, performed well, »ery 
 well, both Machines removing the sheaf sufficiently to the right to allow 
 the horses to pass without its being removed. 
 
 The Hussey did good. work, but left the sheaf upon the track, requir- 
 ing its removal prior to the entry of the next Machine. 
 
 The Kam Machine again failed, probably owing to the great haste in 
 which it was put together, it having been the last Machine brought upon 
 the ground. 
 
80 
 
 The committee take pleasure in announcing the McCormick Improved 
 Machine the best Reaper ; the Manny Machine, with Wood's Improve- 
 ment, the best Moioer ; the Manny Machine, with Wood's Improvement, 
 the best Combined Machine for mowing and reaping, and therefore 
 best adapted for the use of the farming community generally ; and the 
 Hussey Machine a useful implement, both as Mower and Reaper ; yet, 
 in their judgment, excelled both by the Manny and McCormick Ma- 
 chines. 
 
 The committee take this opportunity to express their gratification at 
 the very large attendance of the farming community, and at the deep in- 
 terest manifested by them in the exhibition. 
 AH which is most respectfully submitted. 
 
 JAMES GORDON, 
 
 JOHN T. THOMPSON, 
 
 W. A. DAVIDSON, )■ Judges, 
 
 JAMES GLENN, 
 
 WM. BAIRD, 3 
 
 From the Democratic Standard (HoUidaysbarg, Pa), Jaly 2, 1856. 
 
 Manny's Combined Reaper and Mower. — On Friday afternoon week, 
 some forty or fifty persons witnessed the practical operation of Manny's great 
 Machine, in Col. Jackson's meadow, Gaysport. We always receive the 
 statements of interested parties with great caution, so we determined to see 
 for ourselves how it operated. We accordingly repaired to the meadow and 
 had the satisfaction of seeing the Machine, under the direction of two men 
 and two horses, walk through a heavy mixture of meadow, blue grass and 
 timothy, and afterwards through the heaviest clover, with about the same 
 ease that a barber would run a keen razor through a stiff beard. The swath 
 cut appeared to us to be upwards of five feet wide, cut as clean and smooth 
 as a scythe could do it, and was spread ready for drying. 
 
 This Machine, it is very evident, can do the work of ten or fifteen men ; 
 and there is not one word of exaggeration in what has been said in its favor. 
 Every person at once acknowledged its merits, and we understand that 
 Messrs. Jackson and D'Armit, the agents for Blair and Bedford counties, 
 already have orders for a number of Machines. All philanthropists, as well 
 as physicians, say that anything that lessens labor under a broiling sun is a 
 blessing. Manny's Machine is therefore a triumph. 
 
 From the Blair County Whig, Jane 17, 1856, 
 
 Mannv's Combined Reaper and Mower, with Wood's Improvement. — 
 We have had the pleasure, although not a practica|l farmer, of examining 
 this justly celebrated Reaper and Mower, and, so far as our judgment will go, 
 we are satisfied that it is one of the most complete Machines of this kind 
 now in use. It took the first premium at the great National Fair at Paris 
 last summer, and was boasted of by the French people as worthy of the 
 geriius of any country. Col. Jackson and Mr. Alexander D'Armit, of this 
 place, have been appointed agents for their sale. It is the intention of these 
 gentlemen to test its qualities in a short time, when farmers generally will 
 be invited to attend to see its workings. Next week we will give further 
 notice of this great Machine of genius and celebrity. 
 
ai 
 
 From the Blair County Whig, June 24, 1856. 
 
 Trial of Manny's Combined Reaper and Mower, with Wood's Im- 
 provement. — We were prevented-, by cur absence last week, from witnessing 
 the trial of this Machine, on the farm of Col. Jackson. We learn, from 
 those more capable of judging of its merits than ourselves, that the favor- 
 able opinion we gave- of- it a few weeks ago was made good by the universal 
 satisfaction it gave to all, for its adaptation to all kinds of surface — level or 
 uneven — superior cutting and spreading — not leaving a single spear stand- 
 ing — its lightness of draught and its easy method of changing from a 
 Mower to a Reaper. 
 
 It was generally conceded that Col, Jackson felt disposed to test it fairly, 
 as he has had applications from the agents of a number of other Machines, 
 and, of course, wanted to select a good one. He is so well satisfied with 
 the performance of this Machine, he thinks it can't be beat. It was first 
 tested in a field of heavy clover, a great deal of which had been layed over 
 by the wind and rain of the day previous, and afterwards in one of deep 
 blue grass. Our farmers were so well pleased with the operations of the 
 Machine, that the agents sold six before leaving the field. 
 
 Nashville, Tennessee, June 18, 1856. 
 Mr. W. A. Wood : 
 
 Dear Sir — Inclosed I send you the report of Judges appointed by the 
 State Agricultural Bureau to superintend the trial of Reapers and Mow- 
 ers, that came off near this place on the 5th and llth of this month. 
 
 There was a large crov^d in attendance on the day of the trial of 
 Mowers. Manny's Machine cut its field in seventeen minutes ; Mann's, 
 in twenty-one minutes ; Wright's, in thirty-six minutes ; Ketchum's, in 
 thirty-four minutes. On this day I sold ten Machines ; on the day of 
 reaping I sold all I had left — twenty — each one of the five Judges buy- 
 ing one of Manny's, except Mi. Harris, who did not call upon me unitl 
 morning, when all were sold. I have already had twenty-five applications 
 'since 1 sold out. 
 
 Respectfully, youis, 
 
 B. F. CHEATHAM. 
 
 DECISION OF THE COMMITTEE UPON THE TRIAL OF 
 REAPERS AND MOWERS, 
 
 We the undersigned, a committee, appointed by the Agricultural Bu- 
 reau of Tennessee to examine and test Mowing Machines, and report 
 the result to the Bureau at its next meeting, in execution of said trust, 
 we appointed Thursday, June 5ih, to test the five different Mowers enter- 
 ed, viz : Manny's Combined Reaper and Mower; Mann's Self-Raking 
 Reaper and Mower combined ; Ketchum's Mower; Atkins' Self-Raking 
 Reaper and Mower combined, and Deitz & Dunham's Kam-Power 
 Reaper and Mower. 
 
 Wednesday, June llth, was appointed to test the Reapers that were 
 entered, as follows : 
 
S2 
 
 Deitz & Dunhain's Reaper, Atkins' Self-Raking Reaper, Manny's 
 Reaper, New- York Hand-Raking Reaper, Mann's Self-Raking Reaper, 
 and the New- York Self-Raking Reaper. 
 
 In the result of our judgment, the award is given to Manny's, as the 
 test combined Machine. 
 
 Y. S. PICKARD, 
 J. C. HARRIS, 
 J. M. KNIGHT, 
 W. G. HARDING, 
 F. R. RAINS, 
 
 Committee. 
 
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 It will be observed the foregoing testimonials and reports have been 
 made during or since the harvest of 1856, and are in addition to those 
 heretofore published; also to a great mass of voluntary testimonials on 
 hand, which have accumulated within the last two months. These testimo- 
 nials point out plainly the points in which my Machine excels all others, viz : 
 
 Its easy convertibility from a Mower to a Reaper, and vice versa; its 
 construction for adaptation to uneven surfaces ; the ease with which it can 
 be raised or lowered, for cutting, from two inches to eighteen inches from the 
 ground, which is done by means of a lever controlled by the driver while in 
 his seat ; its ease of draft, portability and cleanness, and ease of cut. Many 
 of these features are patented, and catinot be embodied in any other Ma- 
 chine, and all will admit how essential and indispensable they are to a com- 
 plete Combined Machine. 
 
 "With each Machine will be furnished two scythes, two extra guards, two 
 extra sections, one extra pinion and wrench. 
 
 I have made an extensive sale of Machines for the present harvest, and 
 given my personal attention to their operation in all parts of the state 
 during the whole harvest time, and their success has been unbounded and 
 complete. 
 
 The alterations this experience has induced me to make in the ]\lachine 
 for 1857 are as follows: 
 
 AH the Bearings, or Journals, will be Case-hardened. 
 
 The Shoes, Guards and Gearing will be of the best Salisbury Iron, 
 and substituting Wrought Iron for Cast in several places. 
 
 The machine is made to Mow Lodged Clover without ottstruction, 
 by simply removing four Bolts and leaving off a part of the 
 Frame-work. 
 
 With these alterations and improvements the Machine will stand, still 
 more than it has heretofore, the only reliable Single Mower, or Combined 
 Reaper and Mower, made. 
 
 In order that there will be no disappointment about extras, I will ship by 
 Railroad, this winter, full supplies to each Agent, thereby saving over- 
 charged expressage, as is the case in waiting until harvest time before 
 sending them. The Machine is warranted capable of cutting from ten to 
 fifteen acres of grass or grain per day. 
 
35 
 
 Price of Four Horse Machine, five feet eight inch Cut, $140 00 
 
 Price of Two Horse Combined Machine, delivered here on the 
 
 Cars, 125 00 
 
 Price of Single Mower, Wood Bar, 110 00 
 
 Price of Single Mower, Steel Bar, 115 00 
 
 iV. B. Parties manufacturing Mowing Machines, using my Patents, are 
 cautioned against their further use, and are hereby notified that payment will 
 be exacted to the full extent for the use heretofore made of them. 
 WALTER A. WOOD, 
 
 Manufacturer and Proprietor, 
 
 Hoosich Falls, N. Y. 
 September \st, 1856. 
 
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Combined Reaper and Motrer. 
 
 Combined Reaper and Mower, 
 
 AS A MOWEB. 
 
ADYEETISEIENT. 
 
 Sine? the foregoing was printed I have obtained electrotypes 
 of my machine, as it will be built for 1857, a view of which will 
 be seen on opposite page ; and also add some of the additional 
 testimonials and premiums which have been received since the 
 date of the publication. 
 
 ADDITIOML TESTIMONIALS. 
 
 ^# Rochester, Oct. 23, 1856. 
 
 This certifies that Manny's Combined Reaper and Mower (with Wood's 
 Improvement), manufactured by W. A. Wood, of Hoosic Falls, N. Y., and 
 exhibited by P. D. Wright, Rochester, was awarded the First Premium 
 (Diploma and $5), at the Annual Fair of the Monroe Co. Agricultural 
 Society for 1856. 
 
 D. D. T. MOORE, Secretary, 
 
 Monroe Co. Ag. Soc. 
 
 This certifies that at the Fair of the Onondaga Co. Agricultural Society, 
 in September, 1856, the First Premium for the best Mower and Reaper 
 Combined, was awarded to Mr. C. L. Elderkin, of Camillus, for Manny's 
 Machine, with Wood's Improvement. 
 
 H. D, DIDAMA, SecY 
 
 At the Yates Co. Agricultural Fair, held at Penn Yan, October 9 and 10, 
 1856, the First Premium was awarded to Manny's Combined Mower and 
 Reaper, with Wood's Improvement. Believed by the Committee to be 
 the best in use, and we would advise all those wishing such an implement 
 to examine these before purchasing. 
 
 At the J eiferson Co. Fair, held at Watertown, September 19, 1856 : 
 Best Mower, wheresoever manufactured. Smith & Cooper, Adams, 
 
 Dip. and , |5 00 
 
 Best Mower and Reaper Combined, wheresoever manufactured, 
 
 Smith & Cooper, Adams, Dip. and , 6 00 
 
 The Machines on which the above premiums are awarded were of 
 Manny's Patent, with Wood's Improvement. 
 
 Mr. George Hagar of Montreal, exhibited at the late Provincial Exhi- 
 bition, at Three Rivers, Manny's Reaping and Mowing Machine Combined, 
 with Wood's Improvement. There was not an opportunity at Three Rivers 
 
■^ , 
 
 of testing satisfactorily the Machine in operation but its lightness and 
 appearance altogether was much approved of. I thmk it due to the manu- 
 facturer to state my own practical experience of the Machme, that I have 
 one of them in use for the last two years, and vqry much approve ot their 
 operation, both as Reapers and Mowers, and I am convinced that they are 
 the best description of Reaping and Mowing Machines that has yet been 
 introduced in Lower Canada. 
 
 Three Rivers, September 19th, 1856. ,„„^,^ „ . , . 
 
 B. POMEROY, President 
 ",' of the Agricultural Society of L. G. 
 
 ■'i From the Country Gentleman, Dee. 25, 1836. 
 
 On the Use op Mowino Machines. — Messrs. Editors : Can you advise 
 me as to the kind of Mowing Machine best to be obtained for use on a 
 farm where fifty acres is required to be cut annually — where such imple- 
 ments can be obtained, and at what price? We_have among us several 
 enterprising gentlemen who have used implements for this purpose some, 
 and talked about them more, but they are not mechanics, nor do they know 
 quite well what they, are talking about. I am myself one of these characters, 
 but still I am desirous of better information, and know not where so likely 
 of find it as at the fountain head of 'Agricultural' Science, the oiBce of the 
 "Country Gentleman." W., Mass. 
 
 We have seen many Mowing Machines used, and have employed some 
 of them on our own lands, and find them a most important labor-saving 
 machine — nearly as much as the plow and the horse-rake. On large and 
 tolerably smooth meadows, they will easily cut at the rate of half a dollar 
 per acre ; and if the grass is good, and the weather favorable, hay may be 
 cut and raked into winrows, with a revolver, for fifty cents a ton. This is 
 the result ,of our own experience. Our correspondent may easily " figure 
 up" from this data, and decide what to do with his fifty acres of meadow. 
 
 Without wishing to disparage any other machines, we have been most 
 successful with Ketchum^s improved machine, Allen^s, and Wood's Improve- 
 ment 0/ Manny. The latter we have used most recently, and find it admira- 
 bly adapted to rough or smooth ground, lodged grass, and other impedi- 
 ments, shearing its way through without clogging, cutting closely, and 
 requiring a very moderate pace in the horses. If they move at an average 
 rate of two miles an hour (with no detentions), Wood's machine will cut 
 precisely an acre an hour, requiring one man and two horses. 
 
 Our correspondent will find Wood's advertisement in this journal of a 
 few months past. 
 
 At the Annual Exhibition of the New-York State Agricultural 
 Society, a Silver Medal was awarded to Walter A. Wood for 
 Manny's Combined Reaper and Mower, with Wood's Improve- 
 ment.