WINNOWING. 169 



is then amongst it. For this purpose, various 

 methods have been adopted. Generally, those 

 particles being lighter in proportion to their 

 bulk than the grain, winnowing, or winding, will 

 accomplish the purpose. This may be per- 

 formed either by fanning with a large expand- 

 ed machine of basket-work, or by setting" the 

 barn-doors open in an airy day, and then 

 throwing the grain from a wooden shovel, a 

 few yards, against the windy current. I have 

 much admired the dexterity and success \vith 

 which this has been done. The grain falls in 

 one heap, and the chaff and rubbish in another, 

 with astonishing precision. 



But machinery has of late years superseded 

 much of this skill and labour. These engines, 

 by the strength of horses and mill-work, which 

 we cannot here explain, will dispose of the 



winter's employment for several men, in a few 



P 



