REPORT OF MR. ADAMS.
21
Exposition, was the improved band-saw, in which he has accomplished two things, which are essential to its perfect working; viz., a suitable surface for the back of the saw to rub against, and an automatic device to keep the tension of the saw-blade uniform.
The firm of Witherby, Rugg & Richardson, of Worcester, had a planing-machine for general work which possessed several advantages. In some way it was unfortunately injured in transit, so that its operation was rather imperfect.
The Knapp dovetailing machine, from Northampton, was in constant operation. It makes a form of dovetail which can be used whenever machine-dovetailing is admissible. For rapidity and accuracy of work it can hardly be excelled.
The continuous wool-spinner exhibited by Mr. J. G. Avery, of Spencer, was one of the most interesting exhibits in the hall. By a simple and ingenious device, a motion is attained in drawing out the roving and reducing it to yarn, which imitates that of the arm of a hand workman. As the material is drawn constantly from the spool, and continuously wound upon the bobbin, the capacity of the machine is at least double that of those now in use. There are in addition several small contrivances which greatly increase its efficiency.
The set of shoe-machinery was most complete of its kind, and the only one worthy of mention in the Exposition. During several hours in the day, workmen were engaged in making shoes, or in showing the operation of special machines. The pegging-machines, roller, sewing-machines and burnisher, from the Shoe Machinery Manufacturing Co. of Boston, were comparatively new. The " wire-nailer ” was the more interesting, because the French showed a far inferior machine for the same work. The machines for making and attaching heels, sent by the Bigelow Heeling Machine Association, of Worcester, were exhibited for the first time. These machines make it possible to manufacture cheap heels from good or refuse stock, so that they will be as durable as when made in the ordinary way. There w r ere also special devices for attach- mg and finishing heels. The attention paid to labor-saving contrivances and to strength in construction was noticeable. The enterprise of the representatives of this firm in persever- mg in the manufacture of shoes, although they were not