STACKING THE HAY. 145 



load seems as large as a considerable stack, 

 almost concealing the oxen, whilst it moves 

 slowly along the mead. 



Stacking the hay, is another operation which 

 requires knowledge and practice. A spot is 

 generally selected for this purpose, which lies 

 high and dry. A foundation is first laid of 

 bushes, faggots, or logs, formed into a square 

 of about the size required for the supposed 

 quantity. When the load comes up, one man 

 stands to receive and deposit the hay on this 

 foundation, whilst another delivers it from the 

 cart. If care be not taken in stacking, the hay 

 will be laid in curly bundles and irregular knots, 

 which will not cut and bind well ; but we sel- 

 dom have faults of that sort to complain of. 

 The great danger is, in stacking the hay too 

 green, or a little damp ; in which case, if the 

 rick be large, as fifty or sixty loads, the chance 

 10 N 



