768 Journal of Agriculture , Victoria. [10 Dec, 1912. 



over the first sufficiently to thoroughly cover the twine on the first, and 

 so on until finished. The top or ridge can be finished by bending the 

 straw over on both sides and sewing each, or by cutting the ends of the 

 thatch square on the side from which the least rain comes, and bringing 

 the thatch from the opposite side well up against the square end and pro- 

 jecting a few inches higher. The latter should then be trimmed. 



Thatching machines can be bought for ^7. With these, mats of 

 thatch can be made, and these can be pegged on or sewn, simplifying the 

 work very greatly. 



If the winds are bad, or birds troublesome, it is a good plan to cover 

 the whole roof with wire netting. This will keep the roof from being 

 blown about, and also prevent biids from scratching or pulling it to 

 pieces. 



Fencing. 



A fence of plain galvanized iron 2 ft. 8 in. high should be built all 

 around the stack, at least 2 ft. away, to prevent access of mice. If built 

 nearer than this it will be found as the stack spreads and settles it will 

 be liable to injure the iron. 



A good tarpaulin is of great use during building and afterwards. It 

 should be 18 ft. by 24 ft., and made of good canvas, sufficiently close 

 to prevent water penetrating. It often happens that a rainstorm will 

 come up when a stack is in course of erection. A tarpaulin will be found 

 most useful at such a juncture. 



A good fence should be erected around the whole, at least 8 ft. from 

 the stacks, with more room, if possible, and all should then be. safe. 



Insurance 

 Insurance is always advisable when stacks are kept for any length of 

 time, and can be effected for periods ranging from one month to twelve 

 months. The following system for measuring the contents of a stack is 

 useful for insurance and other purposes : — 



Measurement of Stacks. 



Scale showing the minimum number of cubic feet to be given to the 

 ton, according to age and condition (coarse reedy stuff, besides being less 

 valuable, is more bulky) — 



Ohlong Stacks— "'°^^ 



1. Measure length and breadth of / :\ 



Stack in feet, half-way / \ \ 



between the ground and / \ 



the eaves — from A to B,/ \ eaves 



B to C, as per sketch. V % j 



2. Measure height from ground A /b /o 



to eaves, D to E. V / 



3. Measure height from eaves to \ i / 



ridge-cap, E to F. \ ni / ground. 



4. To the number of feet between D and E add one-half of th ■ 



number of feet between E and F. 



5. Multiply length, breadth, and average height together, which 



will give the number of cubic feet in stack. 



6. Divide this by the requisite number, as shown in scale below, 



to ascertain the number of tons. 



