390 THE WHEAT CULTTJKIST. 



Straws of wheat represent poles. When the sheaves lie 

 horizontally, the rain will pass readily down between 

 the straws. But elevate one end of the sheaf to the 

 above-mentioned angle, and the straws on the upper 

 side will carry off nearly all the water. Yery little of it 

 will find its way into the sheaf. Water always flows 

 down hill. 



THE FOUNDATION OF STACKS. 



The first thing in building a stack is, a suitable foun- 

 dation to keep the dampness from injuring the grain. 

 When rails or poles can be obtained conveniently, they 

 will subserve an excellent purpose. A good foundation 

 may be readily made of plank, by placing four planks 

 on their edges, with other planks or boards resting on 

 these for the stack. A stack should always be so high 

 from the ground that dogs and cats can go under them. 

 This will give a circulation of air under the stack, and 

 the cats a chance to keep it free from mice, rats, gophers, 

 etc. At any rate there must be a foundation of wood 

 sufficient to keep the grain from acquiring moisture from 

 the earth. This done, it is always a good practice to 

 make a round stack about a pole set firmly in the ground. 

 This will keep it erect when it is settling. When mak- 

 ing a round stack, w r here there is no pole in the middle, 

 it will always be found advantageous to stick a fork at 

 the middle, keeping it there as the stack is carried up. 

 Then a stacker can always judge whether he is carrying 

 up the sides true. 



How TO PLACE THE SHEAVES. 



In building a stack of any kind, there are two points 

 of great importance to be observed. The first is tc 



