MILLING 165 



tions, it has maintained a large and steady milling 

 trade since that time. 



The introduction of the middlings milling sys- 

 tem stimulated the production of spring wheat in 

 what was then called the Northwest. The millers 

 of Minneapolis being in that locality were among 

 the first to adopt roller machinery. The develop- 

 ment and rapid growth of their mills was remark- 

 able. The Red River valley has been called 

 " the bread basket of the world," and Minneapo- 

 lis controls the gateway to it. With the power in 

 the falls of St. Anthony, the nearness to the wheat 

 country, and the transportation conveniences, the 

 result was inevitable. Minneapolis is now the 

 greatest flour-producing center in the world. 



QUESTIONS AND EXERCISES 



1. What is meant by a gristmill ? 



2. Why are the handstone and the quern referred to as 

 primitive milling devices ? Where are they in use now ? 



3. What methods of milling were in- common use about 

 the time of the Revolutionary War ? 



4. About when were modern milling methods intro- 

 duced ? 



5. What are the essential differences between the old 

 buhrstone methods and the present gradual reduction pro- 

 cesses ? 



6. Why do many mills have large wheat elevators as 

 part of their equipment ? 



7. How is wheat made ready for grinding into flour ? 



8. Describe the essential processes in manufacturing 



