ard, through the space between, to the centre of the
next, thus cutting equally both ways. As the machine advances, the grain
is readily cut, and the butts are carried along with the machine which
causes the tops to fall back upon the platform without the aid of the
reel. The grain to be cut was separated from that to be left standing by
means of a point projecting in front of the cutter, in the form of a
wedge, bearing the grain both inwards and outwards, with a board set
edgewise upon it, sloping downwards, to a point in front. The grain was
raked from the machine by a man riding upon it, in rear of the frame, at
the side of the cutter, nearly in range with the guards, with his back
towards the team, sometimes at the side and sometimes behind the
platform. Soon after this date Mr. Hussey changed the construction of
his machine somewhat, used one large ground wheel instead of two, placed
the platform alongside the frame, and placed his raker on a seat by the
side of the large ground wheel, facing the team, and raked the grain off
in rear of the platform.

[Sidenote: The Most Practical]

"This was for many years doubtless the most practical reaping machine
known, and, with the improvements that have been made upon it, from time
to time, it is now preferred to any other in many wheat growing sections
of the country."

[Sidenote: Mr. Hussey's Plea]

The fact and intensity of Mr. Hussey's struggles may, in part, be
gathered from his letter to Edward Stabler, dated March 12, 1854:

"Baltimore, March 12, 1854.

"My Esteemed Friend, Edward Stabler:--

"I think the work goes bravely on. I am unable to express my
estimation of thy disinterested efforts; I never before
experienced anything of the kind; it seems entirely new to me to
have any one go out of their way so much, to do so much for me. I
am not so much surprised at the progress thee makes considering
the man, as I am that any man could be found to do me such a
service. I hope thee will not get weary; I am sure thee will not.
I hope the Committee will not act so unjustly as to turn their
backs on all cases because there is 'rascality' in some; because
there is rascality in some cases, why should a just cause suffer?
The facts in my case can be easily proved. I made no money during
the existence of my patent, or I might say I made less than I
would have made if I had held an under-clerk's position in the