Cultivation of Arable Land. Stacking of Grain Crops- Stands proper for. 289 



In refpect to the form of thefe ftands, it varies according to that in which the 

 ftacks are made, which is different in different diftricts. The circular and ob 

 long forms are the mod ufual ; but the long narrow fhape is probably to be pre 

 ferred, as it is faid to keep the corn better, more dry, and freer from heating.* 

 It is an advantage in this fort of ftands that the crops, efpecially thofe of the 

 wheat, may be carried and (lacked upon them much fooncr after being cut than in 

 other circumftanc.es.. f They have likewife the advantage of preferving the grain 

 in a more fweet condition, when kept till the following fumm:r, or for a greater 

 length of time. 



Though very different forms are in ufe in buildirg corn (lacks, thofe of the 

 long, narrow, fquare fhape are probably the mod advanta, ejus where the quan 

 tity of grain is confiderable ; as they ftand more firmly, have a better appear 

 ance, are more conveniently built, and preferve the corn better than thofe of other 

 forms. Beiides, they require lefs thatch as well as labour in putting it upon 

 them. But where the grain is only in a fmall proportion, the round or oblong 

 fhape may be more proper and fuitable, as being more readily drawn up in the 

 roof. The circular with a conical top and cylindrical body, diverging a little at 

 the eaves, is efteemed the bed form, by fcme.J 



In the building of the ftacks the ftems mould be fuffered to fwell outwards, in 

 a very gradual manner, quite up to the eaves, and not be brought up in a perfectly 

 upright or plumb method, as is the cafe in fome diftricts ; as by this means they 

 will not only be more effectually fecured from the penetration of moifture, but 

 require a Itfs extent of ftand. And if well built, they ftand with equal firmnefs 

 and folidiiy. The proportions that ou^ht to be preferved in their conftruclion, 

 are in general about two-thirds of the whole, or fomething more, for the ftems, and 

 one-thud ror the roofs ;. but the difference of form may admit of (light variations 

 i.) thrfe refp Cts. 



The liz;s of ftacks of this fort muft of courfe vary confiderably according to 

 circumftu Ke&amp;gt; ; but they mould never be made too large, as there is a great deal 

 rrmre ri(k in fecuring and getting in the grain for them ; and from their being 

 built at different times, they do not fettle all together in fo perfect a manner, or. 

 rdift the effects of ihe weather, and keep the grain fo well as thofe of lefs di- 

 mcn(ions, that can be completed at once. Bolides, they are more inconvenient in 

 threfhing out, efpecially where the flail is employed. The only advantages they. 



* Corrected Agricultural Report of Northumberland. + Ibid, 



J Corre&ed Agricultural Report of the County of Perth. 

 VOL. II. P p 



