428 WHEAT HARVEST. [AUG. 



\vorks ; but it is necessary to observe, that they do 

 not cut or bind in improper weather, and that they 

 make the sheaves no larger than proportioned to 

 the quantity of weeds, and the ripeness of the corn. 

 In the forming them into shocks or stacks, there 

 is, in some counties, an art of making them in such 

 a manner, that they shoot off the water, and are 

 kept tolerably dry in wet weather, without being 

 laid so close, as not to dry with the sun and wind : 

 it is a good practice, and deserves imitation. I 

 have, on another occasion, mentioned the practice 

 of covering the shocks of wheat-sheaves between 

 Sandwich and Dover with cloths and mats. Mr. 

 Boys informs me that mats are more commonly 

 used, and that the practice is found to improve the 

 sample of wheat, so that the Dover bakers give a 

 clear preference to corn thus treated. The mats 

 cost 7d. each. Some farmers leave their corn 

 standing so long, that it is ripe enough to cut and 

 carry, as they call it : that is, they cart home the 

 sheaves as soon as they are bound : but this will 

 only do for very clean crops. 



In a farm -yard, where there are teams enough, 

 carting the wheat crops requires three waggons : one 

 loading in the field, one unloading, and one upon the 

 road going backwards and forwards : five or six 

 horses are sufficient for them, and two mm to pitch, 

 two to load, one to drive, and two to unload ; in 

 all seven : which make good dispatch. 



But the use of one-horse carts is very superior, 



whatever 



