IQ4 



which they have scared a flock of noisy 

 blackbirds. They will work here in the fresh 

 land where big stumps forbid the use of ma- 

 chinery. 



At the farther edge, through the wide 

 gate, comes the self-binding reaper, spick- 

 and-span in red paint and bright steel. It 

 is a ponderous affair of wheels and reels 

 and belts and aprons. There is something 

 almost uncanny about it. The four mules 

 who draw it go at a trot, and faster than eye 

 can follow huge wire -bound sheaves are 

 tossed so far aside as to be out of the way 

 next round. It does twenty men's work, 

 and does it thoroughly; but for the true 

 harvest flavor you must follow the cradlers. 

 Stout fellows they must needs be, and well 

 in their prime. It is a rhythm of motion, 

 a harmony of mighty muscle, to see them 

 arow, sweeping the golden grain into straight, 

 gleaming swaths. They cut the field in 

 squares, and as a corner is reached the 

 leader steps out, and breathes himself till 

 the last man has brought up his swath. 

 Then they fall in, one behind the other, 

 with the precision of soldiers on parade. 

 Sweep for sweep, blade to heel they go. 

 Now the leader quickens his stroke. It is 

 ten o' the clock, dew has vanished, blades will 



