146 THE WHEAT INDUSTRY 



writers have eulogized the miller and given voice 

 to his sturdy character. The familiar Miller of 

 the Dee is one of the many examples, where an 

 author has made clear the popular figure's char- 

 acter and standing. 



'There dwelt a miller, hale and bold, 



Beside the river Dee ; 



He wrought and sang from morn till night, 

 No lark more blithe than he." 



The poet tells of the miller's discussion with the 

 king in which the king says, 



"'Thy mealy cap is worth my crown, 



Thy mill my kingdom's fee ! 

 Such men as thou art England's boast, 

 O Miller of the Dee!'" 



Modern methods of handling the wheat and the 

 development of a variety of industries has pro- 

 duced many changes and has lessened the old 

 close relation among producer, consumer, and 

 miller. Most farmers now sell their wheat to 

 grain buyers and in turn buy flour from the stores 

 as they need it. Gristmills are, however, still 

 operated in some sections. Peculiarly enough, 

 the character of the miller has not changed greatly 

 and he is still held in much the same regard as of 

 old. 



Primitive Milling. - - The Handstone. - - It is in- 

 teresting to learn something of the stage of devel- 



