fined to the fern; a rabbit which was
not accustomed to this species of interference was startled and cruelly
lacerated before it had time to escape.

[Sidenote: A Royal Order]

"At the close of the trial, his Royal Highness gave a practical proof of
his favorable opinion by ordering two of the machines for himself, one
for Windsor and the other for Osborne. He then, after expressing his
gratification, rode back to the game-keepers and resumed his gun. After
he had left, the machine operated well upon some rushes.

"It may not be out of place to state here that Mr. Dray's explanation of
the failure of the Hussey machine at Tiptree Hall (Mr. Mechi's farm) is
that it was entirely owing to its not being properly managed. On that
occasion, he says, the person in charge of it was simply a porter at the
Exhibition, who, not understanding the matter, neglected to clear away
the wheat as it was cut down, in consequence of which the action of the
machine was unavoidably and fatally impeded. We witnessed the result at
Mr. Mechi's, and certainly there was no such fault on Saturday. The
progress of the machine was notwithstanding the unevenness of the ground,
rapid and satisfactory; and it was stated as a fact that on a level
ground the horses used in drawing may trot, not only without weakening or
impeding the action of the knives, but even with advantages, as by that
means the cutting requires increased precision and force."

[Sidenote: A Royal Verdict]

The following is Prince Albert's certificate:

"Windsor Castle, Nov. 13, 1851.

"Sir--In answer to your letter addressed to Gen. Wemyss, I have
received the commands of his Royal Highness, Prince Albert, to say,
that so far as he could judge of Mr. Hussey's Reaping Machine, from
its performance in the high fern at Windsor Park, his Royal Highness
is disposed to form a very favorable opinion of it, and has ordered
one[10] in consequence for the use of his own farm. His Royal
Highness can however give no opinion as to the relative merits of
this machine in comparison with those of others which he has not
seen at work.

"I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,

"GREY."

[10] The Prince ordered two Machines, one for Windsor and one for
Isle of Wight.

From Maidstone & South Eastern Gazette, October 21, 1851.

WEST KENT AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY'S PLOUGHING MATCH.

HUSSEY'S AMERICAN REAPER.

"A dist