The
great exhibition of 1851 was a showcase for technology and manufactured
products in England, it also highlighted the role of England as a significant
industrial power.
In
a way with the introduction of mechanisation to farms and in particular the use
of steam engines, farm buildings became industrial buildings. The Royal Agricultural Society was mainly
instrumental in bringing into operation moveable steam engines for farms in the
period 1841 to 1851. Philip Pusey[1]
an agriculturalist involved in the formation of the society promoted the
advantages of portable or moving steam engines on farms over fixed engines.[2] Pusey was also chairman of the agricultural
implement department of the great exhibition and an authority on agricultural
matters. One of the main advantages of
the portable machines was the speed at which they operated in most cases it
took no more time to thresh corn on location than to move it to the yard.
Steam had many uses for the farmer. It was used for
making pipes for drainage, steaming potatoes and other root crops for fodder
and for ploughing the land. It is noted
however that the use of steam for ploughing machines had not come into use.
A large steam engine was imported from the establishment of a Mr Smith of Glasgow in 1851 for use on the farm at Castlebar and erected at the farmyard. It was a source of great curiosity at the time. It was used for grinding corn, wheat barley and rye. It was also employed to cut straw, hay, turnips, mangold and wortzel. The article[3] in which this appears also mentions that all these activities may be carried on at the same time without the aid of more than one boiler. Other uses included, sawing timber, grinding bones, dressing flax, and the manufacture of sugar from beet, &c.
It is unlikely the steam engine used by the Earl was of the mobile type; on his visit to the farm, Francis Head [4] comments that on his approach to the yard the ‘tall chimney of the industrious -steam engine’ caught his attention. This is also reinforced when we look at the only image of the farm from the Wynne Collection where a tall structure can be seen on the left hand side of the picture. The Earl also had Steam engines at the farm in Ballinrobe.
The advantages which this new innovation brought to farming were reflected in the changing methods employed. The benefit of efficiency driven profit manifested itself in all areas. As in other areas of the model farm development story, innovation and new inventions made their way into the public domain through journals and newspaper articles. A new development also was the origin of the experimental tour, where the latest machinery and implements were showcased on gentlemen’s farms against the backdrop of model buildings.
A trial of Mr Mc Cormack’s reaping machine took place on Mr. Gardiners Manor farm, Hitchin, Hertfordshire in September 1851 viewed by a large number of extensive landholders and country gentlemen.[5] Its success was measured in terms of the reduction in man hours achieved as it could, depending on circumstances cut between 10 and 16 acres a day, while a man could only remove one acre and a quarter per hour.
Additional articles by the same publication list the many advantages to farming from improvements in innovation;
The Digging Machine
This was invented by a Mr O Connor who won a medal at the great exhibition for developing a rotary pump. It was horse drawn and operated four spades either small or large, depending on choice, and dug up about a yard breadth as it moved along.[6]
The Threshing Machine
Through a system of pulleys and belts the threshing mechanism inside was operated by a steam engine, either portable or fixed. This reduced and eventually eliminated hand flailing.
Winnowing Machines.
The machine could separate the grain into ‘good corn’, ‘good tail’, ‘tail’, ‘whites’, ‘screenings’ and ‘chaff’ which allowed the farmer to determine which quality he could bring to market.
Haycarts.
These were modified to weigh less and carry more.
Tile Machines and draining ploughs.
Used to manufacture and lay down drainage pipes.
Turnip cutter
By cutting up the turnips and other root crops a more efficient method of feeding was established.
The Horse-rake
This could rake a field ten to twenty times faster than the old method.
A new mode of hay making.
The method was devised in Germany and reported locally, the advantage of the method was that it allowed the feeding of cattle over the winter months. Although in an experimental stage the idea was similar in principal to the production of silage today. In this case pits were dug 10 to 12 feet square and as deep and used to ferment grass with the aid of a little salt.[7]
A strong emphasis was also placed on good husbandry and instruction. Articles on crop rotation, manure management, drainage and foodstuffs filled the weekly columns of most publications during the period. A regular feature in The Mayo Constitution followed the farming calendar and outlined operations to be carried out each month in respect of all crops and livestock.
While no documented evidence has been uncovered to show the Earl used any of these machines evidence in the plans for the farmyard suggest he had a variety of uses for the steam engine and also that mechanised threshing was carried out at the farm. The Plans also show a turnip cutting room and given the scale of crops planted it is plausible to state that a cutter was used. Similarly the plans also show cart sheds. As already mentioned the farm had its own tilery and considering the central role drainage played in the reclamation process, draining ploughs may have been used. Given the quantity of ground under tillage and crops in the accounts by commentators, a digging machine and reaper must have been used.
[1] http://en.wikisource.org, Dictionary of National Biography.
[2] The Mayo Constitution 1854,17 January.
[3] Connaught Telegraph,1851,3 September.
[4] Head, Bart, SIR.F.B, 1852.A Fortnight in Ireland, PP.140.
[5] The Mayo Constitution, 1851, 16 September.
[6] The Mayo Constitution, 1853, 5 April.
[7] The Mayo Constitution, 1844, 30 January.
A large steam engine was imported from the establishment of a Mr Smith of Glasgow in 1851 for use on the farm at Castlebar and erected at the farmyard. It was a source of great curiosity at the time. It was used for grinding corn, wheat barley and rye. It was also employed to cut straw, hay, turnips, mangold and wortzel. The article[3] in which this appears also mentions that all these activities may be carried on at the same time without the aid of more than one boiler. Other uses included, sawing timber, grinding bones, dressing flax, and the manufacture of sugar from beet, &c.
It is unlikely the steam engine used by the Earl was of the mobile type; on his visit to the farm, Francis Head [4] comments that on his approach to the yard the ‘tall chimney of the industrious -steam engine’ caught his attention. This is also reinforced when we look at the only image of the farm from the Wynne Collection where a tall structure can be seen on the left hand side of the picture. The Earl also had Steam engines at the farm in Ballinrobe.
The advantages which this new innovation brought to farming were reflected in the changing methods employed. The benefit of efficiency driven profit manifested itself in all areas. As in other areas of the model farm development story, innovation and new inventions made their way into the public domain through journals and newspaper articles. A new development also was the origin of the experimental tour, where the latest machinery and implements were showcased on gentlemen’s farms against the backdrop of model buildings.
A trial of Mr Mc Cormack’s reaping machine took place on Mr. Gardiners Manor farm, Hitchin, Hertfordshire in September 1851 viewed by a large number of extensive landholders and country gentlemen.[5] Its success was measured in terms of the reduction in man hours achieved as it could, depending on circumstances cut between 10 and 16 acres a day, while a man could only remove one acre and a quarter per hour.
Additional articles by the same publication list the many advantages to farming from improvements in innovation;
The Digging Machine
This was invented by a Mr O Connor who won a medal at the great exhibition for developing a rotary pump. It was horse drawn and operated four spades either small or large, depending on choice, and dug up about a yard breadth as it moved along.[6]
The Threshing Machine
Through a system of pulleys and belts the threshing mechanism inside was operated by a steam engine, either portable or fixed. This reduced and eventually eliminated hand flailing.
Winnowing Machines.
The machine could separate the grain into ‘good corn’, ‘good tail’, ‘tail’, ‘whites’, ‘screenings’ and ‘chaff’ which allowed the farmer to determine which quality he could bring to market.
Haycarts.
These were modified to weigh less and carry more.
Tile Machines and draining ploughs.
Used to manufacture and lay down drainage pipes.
Turnip cutter
By cutting up the turnips and other root crops a more efficient method of feeding was established.
The Horse-rake
This could rake a field ten to twenty times faster than the old method.
A new mode of hay making.
The method was devised in Germany and reported locally, the advantage of the method was that it allowed the feeding of cattle over the winter months. Although in an experimental stage the idea was similar in principal to the production of silage today. In this case pits were dug 10 to 12 feet square and as deep and used to ferment grass with the aid of a little salt.[7]
A strong emphasis was also placed on good husbandry and instruction. Articles on crop rotation, manure management, drainage and foodstuffs filled the weekly columns of most publications during the period. A regular feature in The Mayo Constitution followed the farming calendar and outlined operations to be carried out each month in respect of all crops and livestock.
While no documented evidence has been uncovered to show the Earl used any of these machines evidence in the plans for the farmyard suggest he had a variety of uses for the steam engine and also that mechanised threshing was carried out at the farm. The Plans also show a turnip cutting room and given the scale of crops planted it is plausible to state that a cutter was used. Similarly the plans also show cart sheds. As already mentioned the farm had its own tilery and considering the central role drainage played in the reclamation process, draining ploughs may have been used. Given the quantity of ground under tillage and crops in the accounts by commentators, a digging machine and reaper must have been used.
[1] http://en.wikisource.org, Dictionary of National Biography.
[2] The Mayo Constitution 1854,17 January.
[3] Connaught Telegraph,1851,3 September.
[4] Head, Bart, SIR.F.B, 1852.A Fortnight in Ireland, PP.140.
[5] The Mayo Constitution, 1851, 16 September.
[6] The Mayo Constitution, 1853, 5 April.
[7] The Mayo Constitution, 1844, 30 January.
Reaping
by Machinery.
To the editor of the times.
September 1851
Sir- I write a hasty line to say that the American reaping machine by Mc Cormick, has been at work all day on my farm, cutting a heavy crop of wheat, very long in the straw, partially laid, and estimated at five quarters per acre. I have arrived at the following conclusions:-
That it will act perfectly on level land, with a standing crop.
That it will cut from 10 to 16 acres per day, according to circumstances.
That the quantity cut depends more on the activity and strength of the man who has to remove it by rake from the board on which it falls. It is hard work for a man to remove one acre and a quarter per hour.
That our open furrows and deep water furrows are much against the perfect action of the machine.
That the paddle-wheels do not in any way beat out or injure the corn.
That certain trifling modifications in its details will be required where (as in my case) the straw is very long.
That it will cut laid corn where it falls towards the machine.
That where it falls from it, it is desirable to cut such portions by hand.
That a proportionate number of hands to bind the cut corn will be required according to the crop.
The machine will be cutting all day to-morrow. I should wish to have finished my harvest with it, but the proprietor desires to try it in other counties.
In conclusion, I feel a conviction that all our reaping will soon be done by horse or steam machines.
I am, Sir, your obedient servant,
J.J. Meohi.
To the editor of the times.
September 1851
Sir- I write a hasty line to say that the American reaping machine by Mc Cormick, has been at work all day on my farm, cutting a heavy crop of wheat, very long in the straw, partially laid, and estimated at five quarters per acre. I have arrived at the following conclusions:-
That it will act perfectly on level land, with a standing crop.
That it will cut from 10 to 16 acres per day, according to circumstances.
That the quantity cut depends more on the activity and strength of the man who has to remove it by rake from the board on which it falls. It is hard work for a man to remove one acre and a quarter per hour.
That our open furrows and deep water furrows are much against the perfect action of the machine.
That the paddle-wheels do not in any way beat out or injure the corn.
That certain trifling modifications in its details will be required where (as in my case) the straw is very long.
That it will cut laid corn where it falls towards the machine.
That where it falls from it, it is desirable to cut such portions by hand.
That a proportionate number of hands to bind the cut corn will be required according to the crop.
The machine will be cutting all day to-morrow. I should wish to have finished my harvest with it, but the proprietor desires to try it in other counties.
In conclusion, I feel a conviction that all our reaping will soon be done by horse or steam machines.
I am, Sir, your obedient servant,
J.J. Meohi.
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Tiptree-hall, Kelvedon, Essex.
The following is the account given by the Sussex Express of another trial of Mr. McCormick`s machine:-
The field selected for the trial was the “Anthony Piece” a 12-acre field on the Christmas Pie Farm Warnborough, near Guildford, the property of R. D. Mangies, Esq., M.P.. The ground was very strong and uneven, with deep furrows, and but a slight crop; indeed, it was altogether as bad a spot as could have been chosen, it being the worst field and crop upon the farm. The ground had undergone no manner of preparation for such a trial, by stone picking in the spring of the year, &c.: spite of all these obstacles, however the general opinion of the numerous agriculturists present was, that the machine did its work admirably. It must be confessed that its powers were well tested. The time occupied in cutting one acre of wheat was forty-four minutes; and the experiment fully proved the great value of them, and the vast amount of saving that will be effected both in time and in money by its general use.”
TRIAL OF THE AMERICAN REAPING MACHINE.- Mr. McCormick`s reaping machine, which has been making an experimental tour of the country, was, on Thursday, tried on the Manor Farm, in the occupation of Mr. Gardner, at Much Wymondley, about two miles from Hitchin, in this county. Although the arrangement to give the machine “a day in Hertfordshire” was entered into rather suddenly, Mr. Herkins, of Hitchin (the local agent) took such effective steps for announcing the fact the whole neighbourhood was astire, an as early as eleven o`clock on Thursday morning Manor Farm presented a more lively and interesting aspect than it had done for many years before. Country gentlemen – some of them well-known as practical agriculturists, and a large number of farmers – many of them very extensive holders of land- were on the spot, waiting anxiously for the commencement of operations. The field selected for the trial was tolerably level, and bore a good standing crop of the bearded or rivetts wheat. The soil, however, was clayey and that as well as the crop being soddened by the recent rains, the machine was called upon to exhibit its powers under very disadvantageous circumstances. Certainly nothing but a reluctance to disappoint the many agriculturists who had come from a distance to witness the working of the new “implement” would have induced those who had it in charge to set it to work. The trial of the machine commenced about twelve o`clock. The field contained about twelve acres, four of which had been reaped with the sickle, consequently eight remained to experiment upon. The sodden state of the ground presented, as we have before hinted, considerable difficulties, but the energy of the American conductors overcame all difficulties, and the giant reaper pursued its way triumphantly up the sides of the field, making a complete circuit of it, and only occasionally stopping to give time to remove the accumulation of clay and straw from the broad wheels, or to remonstrate with the crowds of spectators, who, in their eager pursuit, trampled down the fresh cuts sheaves so vigorously that, at one time, we were under considerable apprehension that Mr. Gardner`s crop would be totally destroyed. Of the general success of the experiment, there can, however, be no doubt. There never was an agricultural implement which, on its first exhibition, obtained the approval of practical farmers so generally as this has done. Everybody wonders that a piece of mechanism so simple, effective, and useful was never invented before.-
Hertford Mercury.
Reprinted in the Constitution September 1851
The following is the account given by the Sussex Express of another trial of Mr. McCormick`s machine:-
The field selected for the trial was the “Anthony Piece” a 12-acre field on the Christmas Pie Farm Warnborough, near Guildford, the property of R. D. Mangies, Esq., M.P.. The ground was very strong and uneven, with deep furrows, and but a slight crop; indeed, it was altogether as bad a spot as could have been chosen, it being the worst field and crop upon the farm. The ground had undergone no manner of preparation for such a trial, by stone picking in the spring of the year, &c.: spite of all these obstacles, however the general opinion of the numerous agriculturists present was, that the machine did its work admirably. It must be confessed that its powers were well tested. The time occupied in cutting one acre of wheat was forty-four minutes; and the experiment fully proved the great value of them, and the vast amount of saving that will be effected both in time and in money by its general use.”
TRIAL OF THE AMERICAN REAPING MACHINE.- Mr. McCormick`s reaping machine, which has been making an experimental tour of the country, was, on Thursday, tried on the Manor Farm, in the occupation of Mr. Gardner, at Much Wymondley, about two miles from Hitchin, in this county. Although the arrangement to give the machine “a day in Hertfordshire” was entered into rather suddenly, Mr. Herkins, of Hitchin (the local agent) took such effective steps for announcing the fact the whole neighbourhood was astire, an as early as eleven o`clock on Thursday morning Manor Farm presented a more lively and interesting aspect than it had done for many years before. Country gentlemen – some of them well-known as practical agriculturists, and a large number of farmers – many of them very extensive holders of land- were on the spot, waiting anxiously for the commencement of operations. The field selected for the trial was tolerably level, and bore a good standing crop of the bearded or rivetts wheat. The soil, however, was clayey and that as well as the crop being soddened by the recent rains, the machine was called upon to exhibit its powers under very disadvantageous circumstances. Certainly nothing but a reluctance to disappoint the many agriculturists who had come from a distance to witness the working of the new “implement” would have induced those who had it in charge to set it to work. The trial of the machine commenced about twelve o`clock. The field contained about twelve acres, four of which had been reaped with the sickle, consequently eight remained to experiment upon. The sodden state of the ground presented, as we have before hinted, considerable difficulties, but the energy of the American conductors overcame all difficulties, and the giant reaper pursued its way triumphantly up the sides of the field, making a complete circuit of it, and only occasionally stopping to give time to remove the accumulation of clay and straw from the broad wheels, or to remonstrate with the crowds of spectators, who, in their eager pursuit, trampled down the fresh cuts sheaves so vigorously that, at one time, we were under considerable apprehension that Mr. Gardner`s crop would be totally destroyed. Of the general success of the experiment, there can, however, be no doubt. There never was an agricultural implement which, on its first exhibition, obtained the approval of practical farmers so generally as this has done. Everybody wonders that a piece of mechanism so simple, effective, and useful was never invented before.-
Hertford Mercury.
Reprinted in the Constitution September 1851