372 



THE SMALL GRAINS 



(Fig. 117). When the shocks are thus exposed to alter- 

 nate showers and sunshine, the kernels swell, their bran 

 coats loosen, and they become discolored or " bleached." 

 Moisture is absorbed, and the test weight of the measured 

 bushel is decreased. These conditions lower the grade of 

 the wheat, and directly affect its market value. The 

 same conditions badly affect the quality of barley for 

 brewing, for which purpose a large part of the barley crop 



FIG. 117. Sixty-day oats in the shock at the North Dakota 

 Agricultural Experiment Station, Fargo. 



in the northern Great Plains is used. Even oats may be 

 so dulled or stained in color or lose so much in weight in 

 the same way that its value when sold for feeding is 

 curtailed. 



401. Stacking. The larger part of the bound grain 

 of the Great Plains is thrashed from the shock. Millers 

 and elevator operators, however, generally prefer wheat 

 that has "gone through the sweat," and it is claimed that 

 it is much improved in quality by sweating in the stack. 

 When the difference in quality is considerable, the buyer 



