MISCELLANEOUS CROPS. 



599 



First the millet is brought from the shed and placed on the receiving 

 table with the heads facing the assistant , the small bundles, with eight to 

 twelve heads in each, being more easily separated from the bulk when placed 

 in this way. As it is the seed that is to lie dealt with, these parts are bunched 

 together and the bundle placed in the feeder's left hand. Holding firmly, he 

 places the heads mi the fast revolving spiked drum and turns the bundle SO 

 as to bring all the seed ill contact with the spikes, transferring it to the 

 right hand when treated and thence to a table at the right of the machine, 

 and receiving, as his left hand becomes free, another bunch from the assistant. 

 The help at intervals removes the cleaned brush back to the shed and there 

 packs it on the shelves, usually deeper than before, and with all butts level. 

 Here it is .allowed to cure until baling time The brush is more easily 

 handled when being removed to the press if the butts are level, and it also 

 binds better in the bales if packed while curing. 



Baling. 



Very few farmers give this operation the attention it deserves. Grading 

 is very seldom practised, most of the millet being pressed into self- working 

 bales, composed of all grades, covers, hurl, insides, and bent and inferior- 

 heads in various proportions. Farmers contend that grading into separate 

 bales not only necessitates extra labour and loss of time, but that the extra 

 price received for the graded article is not sufficiently encouraging to warrant 

 such treatment ; also that the self-working bale sells readily enough. 



Bale pressed, doors dropped, and bale ready to be removed. 



Several types of press are brought into use. They are mostly hay presses 

 fitted with makeshift contrivances to suit the work. The most satisfactory 

 type is the box-press (an implement somewhat resembling a wool-press), 

 which keeps the butts even, makes an attractive bale, and is simple to operate. 

 A bale weighing approximately 2| cwt. is the usual size. 



