60 THE WHEAT INDUSTRY 



sweat, a moist condition which dries out in 

 the course of three or four weeks. Grain thus 

 cured is less likely to suffer or spoil in storage. 



The Date of Harvesting. - - In most places wheat 

 is cut as soon as it is ripe or nearly ripe. The 

 proper time is usually considered to be when the 

 wheat grain is hard enough not to be crushed 



FIG. 37. A shock after standing in the field for several weeks. Note the 

 bundles that have been blown down. 



between the fingers, yet may be indented by the 

 thumb nail. Generally the culm is still a little 

 green and not thoroughly dry. This time marks 

 the opening of vigorous activities, for the grower 

 is anxious to have his grain in the sheaf or stack 

 as soon as the work can be done without injury 

 to the grain. If it is allowed to become overripe 

 there is thought to be some slight loss in weight, 



