MILLING 149 



tioned in early American history. The handstone, 

 mortar and pestle, and quern, thus, all belong to 

 the type of mill in which grinding is the method 

 of reduction and human energy is practically the 

 only power. In ancient times the work in each 

 method was largely done by women. Later on, 

 however, slaves and criminals were used. 



Buhrstone Mills. - - Buhrstones, or millstones, 

 used by small mills in almost every country, repre- 

 sent another type of milling. By this method 

 the grain is cut and crushed and emerges as a 

 much finer product. The surface of each stone is 

 cut so that the grooves of one fit into those of the 

 other, and by the sharp edges of these grooves the 

 grain is cut to pieces. The power used is from 

 cattle, wind, or water. Sometimes they are run 

 by steam power or electricity. These mills are 

 larger than the quern and others previously de- 

 scribed. The grain is ground for the village or 

 community, the miller charging a toll for grinding. 



These simple mills were common in the early 

 history of the United States, and the improved 

 gristmill was the prevailing type until about 1880. 

 Small mills were located wherever water power 

 was available. Towns near power sites served as 

 locations for the larger ones. In general, mills 

 were scattered and they were of moderate size. 

 As population and wheat production increased, it 

 became necessary to produce more flour. Mills 



