THRESHING 



81 



and coffee is a model of quality and abundance. 

 This has been prepared by the farmer's wife, 

 with the assistance of two or three neighbors, and 

 is usually placed at once on the table, which will 

 accommodate about twelve people. Of course 

 there is a scramble for places at the first table. 

 The men are hungry after 

 the forenoon's work. But 

 there is plenty of food for 

 all and those who eat at 

 the second table have as 

 great variety as those at 

 the first. The men help 

 themselves without for- 

 mality, and the prosper- 

 ity of the season as well 

 as the health of the work- 

 ers is reflected in the 

 hearty appetites. It is 

 a happy occasion, and the 



Sallies Of rural Wit passed FlG - 40- -The wheat farmer at thresh- 



ing time. 



between the diners are 



met with uproarious laughter. The meal finished, 

 there is but very little rest before the whistle calls 

 the men for the afternoon's work, and by evening 

 they are ready for as bounteous a supper. 



The Cost of Threshing Outfits. - Threshing out- 

 fits are usually owned by individuals who do the 

 work for as many of their neighbors as they can. 



