WHEAT CULTURE. 



291 



A.— Harvesting with Reaper and Binder tor Grain. 



The crop is ready for the reaper and binder when the straw under the ears 

 has turned yellow. At this stage the grain is doughy, and the crop may 1"' 

 . ut without fear <>|' loss, it [ a advisable to use the reaper and binder on the 

 heaviesl portions of the crop, and also on any portions that may have become 

 laid, for it is impossible to deal satisfactorily with such portions with the 

 stripper. Evou with the reaper and hinder, car.- and trouble are uecessarj 

 to gather all the crop. 



It is probable that, when labour and other conditions allow, the up-to-date 

 farmer of the future will commence his grain harvest with the reaper and 

 hinder, and complete it with the harvester. 



Stacks placed for economic working, the threshing machine or chaff-cutter being hauled between them. 



Stooking. 



The methods adopted vary with the climatic conditions. In districts 

 where fine-weather conditions during harvest are the rule very little trouble 

 is taken, and twelve or fifteen sheaves are put together in round stooks in 

 such a way as to withstand the winds only. 



In districts where wet harvests are common, considerable skill is required 

 in building stooks so as to shed rain, dry quickly, and withstand winds. 



Stooking, whenever practicable, should be done in the morning when the 

 straw is tough, to prevent waste in handling. Ripe wheat should not be 

 handled during the heat of the day, as the grain is then more liable to shed. 



HOTM^V 



Rectangular Stacks. 



