88 BEAN CULTURE 



twice. If but two drafts were made to the load it 

 would mean but a single climb on the wagon during 

 the loading process. Slings may be used either when 

 beans are loaded in the usual way by men from each 

 side of the wagon or when the hay loader is used. 

 In this connection it is well to say that in handling 

 beans the slings and hay loaders are the exception 

 rather than the rule; each grower decides for his 

 own conditions. 



Storing the crop. — If not thrashed direct from the 

 field, beans may be stored in the barn or stacked 

 outside. Storing beans in barns, in mows or on 

 overlays is the most common way, and the prac- 

 tice is here recommended. However, in case the 

 capacity of the barn will not admit, the crop may be 

 stacked with comparatively little loss of beans, ow- 

 ing to inclement weather which may prevail. If the 

 grower stacks his beans he must make a good job 

 of it. False bottoms of rails or other substantial 

 material should be made to keep the beans from the 

 ground. Round stacks are objectionable and are 

 but seldom made. Rather, make the stacks long and 

 narrow. The sides are built straight up, and a good 

 covering of second grade hay, or swale grass, is 

 used to top out the stacks. On the old homestead in 

 Michigan we always aimed to have room in the 

 barn for the bean crop. Oats, corn and even hay 

 were stacked outside to make room for the beans 

 which were not thrashed as a rule until well into 

 the winter. On the other hand, one of our neigh- 

 bors who had a sizable crop of 40 acres annually, 

 always stacked his beans with excellent results. 

 From experience and wide observation I would say, 

 put the beans inside if possible, but do not hesitate 

 to stack outside, provided you make a good job of it. 



