THRASHING MACHINE. The separa tion of the grain from the ear in corn is effected in different ways. The finest and ripest grains for seed are extracted by simply beating the corn on a table or flat board. The most usual method is by means of the flail, an instrument so formed as to strike a largc extent of corn at one time. The flail, by means of its long handle, is swung round Bit to fall horizontally on the straw is spree c on the thrashing floor; and by inserting thi; head ; and the beating part of it is made part occasionally under the straw, the latter is turned over, and a fresh portion is brought up to be beaten.
In a serene and dry climate, corn may readily be thrashed out in the manner de scribed in the Bible ; viz., by levelling a portion of the corn-field, laying the corn in the straw in a large circle, and driving oxen or horses over it till the grain is all trodden out. Such a method as this, however, is not suited for an English climate.
Modern times have seen the introduction of thrashing machines, which perform the ope ration with much rapidity. The general construction may be thus briefly described. A rapid motion is given to a hollow cylinder round a horizontal axis; on the outer surface there are projecting ribs parallel to the axis, at equal distances from each other. Around half the cylinder is a case, the inner surface of which is lined with plates of cast-iron, grooved in the direction of the axis. The ribs or beaters come quite close to these grooves, so that an ear of corn cannot well.
pass between them without being flattened. The corn is drawn in between two rollers, and the beaters act on the straw so as to beat out most of the corn. The grain falls through the meshes of a sieve, but the straw is retained until removed by rakes.
Many modifications of are adopted by dif ferent makers, but the above gives a pretty general idea of the mode of action. Such an apparatus is usually worked by a horse; but there are also band-machines, which are pro fitably worked where hand labour is cheap, but where there are no skilful flailmen. There is a peculiar system adopted in some counties, in which a hand-thrashing machine is taken from farm to farm by the owner, who lends and superintends the machine, while the farmer supplies horses and men, a stipu lated price being paid to the machine owner, to the mutual advantage of both parties.
The most complete thrashing machines are those which are worked by steam power. In some of the best and largest farms a steam engine is kept to the thrashing, the chaff cutter, and other agricultural implements. At the recent agricultural and cattle shows, the thrashing machines made by Garrett, Crosskill, Wedlake, Hensman, &c., have been shewn in great variety ; and many such have : been sent to the Great Exhibition.