Agricultural Research in 1928
Page 55
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TEE fourth volume of the annual summary of scientific and economic research work in connection with agriculture, not only at home but abroad, has recently been issued. Started four years ago as an experimeat, at the instigation of the research committee of the Royal Agricultural Society of England, this publication has now established a definite place in the literature of the farming industry. Collected from a large number of sources and put together in nonscientific language by acknowledged authorities, the contents of the volume should be studied by all those who wish to keep abreast of modern agricultural practice.
A large section is devoted to the subject of agricultural engineering, this having been prepared by Mr. B. .T. Owen, M.A., D.Sc. There are some notes on tractor and horse-laboor costs based on figures obtained from farms in Oxford and Northampton, and they make interesting reading. Then, again, some statistics on the same matter have been obtained from the Agricultural Economics Institute of Halle. The writer expresses the opinion that, under modern agricultural conditions, light tractors of 22 h.p. to 32 h.p. can be best employed, for they are more adaptable and comparable with horses. He adds
that such machines will always be found to pay providing they be fully worked.
Mention is made of the fact that there are two main causes for the replacement of animals by mechanical traction—one, which operates in the United States, is that mechanical appliances make better use of manpower, whilst the other, which may be operated in European countries, is that mechanical traction releases more food for human consumption.
Certain facts taken from a paper on testing work at Nebraska are also given, and mention is made of the fact that tractor seats are, for the most part, really uncomfortable. The long hours during which many tractor drivers use their machines make it necessary that their comfort should receive More attention. Another cause of discomfort is said to he the position of the exhaust Pipe, for in some instances the heat almost roasts the feet of the operator, whilst in others the fumes are blown into his face.
It should be mentioned that each section concludes with a complete bibliography of the paper quoted. The Royal Agricultural Society of England, 16, Bedford Square, London, W.C.1, is selling the volume at the price of is. 3d., post free.