530 SCIENCE OF AGRICULTURE. Tart II. 



the field and down the other, somewhat in ■ similar manner, as by that mean-, the work 

 may be the most completely executed. 



•rating, or the collecting of the scattered straws of corn or hay crops by 

 the rake, is an operation of little art or trouble in the execution. The proper imple- 

 ment being employed, it is generally drawn by one horse, conducted by a man, who walks 

 behind, and, when the rake fills, lifts it up without stopping the horse, and always 

 at the same place, so as to deposit the takings in regular rows across the field. The 

 same mode is followed whether in raking hay, corn, stubble, or weeds from fallow 

 ground-.. 



3272. Driving carts and waggons, though the easiest of all operations, is very fre- 

 quently shamefully performed by servants. Almost i:\i:r\ body knows this ; and it is 

 humiliating to consider that we are considered the most inhuman nation in Europe in 

 our treatment of horses. In most other countries these animals, and even oxen, are 

 taught to obey the word of the driver; but in Britain he requires both halter or rein, 

 and a whip ; and in most parts of England the slightest movement from right to left is 

 indicated to the animal by the latter implement. Driving is more especially neglected, 

 or wretchedly performed, near large towns, and especially round London, where little or 

 no attention is paid to avoiding the ruts ; choosing the best part of the road ; going in a 

 direct line ; altering the position of the load (by means of the back chain or the construc- 

 tion of the cart where that admits of it) in going up or down hill ; or seeing whether 

 both horses (where two are used) draw equally. The reverse of this conduct ought to 

 be that of a careful and humane driver, who, being first certain that his cattle are pro- 

 perly yoked, and his load fairly adjusted so as to be neither too heavy nor too light for 

 the wheel or shaft horse, will see that they proceed along the best part of the road in a 

 straight line, avoiding the ruts when deep or unequal; that all the horses draw equally 

 as far as practicable; that proper care and timely precautions be taken to a\oid other 

 machines meeting or passing ; and that no sudden motion or jerk of the horses be required 

 on any occasion. In dividing the road where it is steep or in a bad state, the horses ought 

 to be drawn aside gradually, and gradually led on again ; it being easier to descend or 

 ascend either a good or bad convex road obliquely, than at an acute angle. L ast b'> servants 

 ought on no account to be allowed to ride on laden carts or waggons, especially ; he 

 former ; or to walk at a distance from them either before or behind. There are many 

 other points which require attending to in this department of agriculture ; such as not 

 striking animals on the head or legs, nor kicking them, nor using a pole or handle of 

 any implement that may be at hand, in administering chastisement ; but these must be 

 left to the care and discretion of masters, whose interest it is to be most vigilant in 

 watching those who are engaged in tliis department. 



One mode of lessening the evils if cureless driving and inhumanity to animals consists in employing 



chiefly married servants, and, as is generally the case, letting each have the exclusive care and working of 



one pair of horses. Such men are steadier, and remain much longer in their situations, than single men, 



are therefore more likely to feel an interest in the welfare and good condition of their horses, as well 



as in the good opinion of their employer. 



3274. Driving cattle in a threshing-machine required particular care before the ingenious 

 invention, described § '2155., to equalise the draught of the different animals ; where this 

 invention is applied, it requires little more than calling to such of the cattle as have 

 a tendency to relax in their exertions. 



Sect. III. Labours and Operations with the Crop, performed with the .lid of Cattle. 



3275. Labours with the crop chiefly comprise stacking and housing. 



327G. Stacking is the operation of building or piling up unthreshed corn, hay, straw, or 

 other dried crops, in convenient forms, and so as to admit of their being thatched as 

 a defence from the weather. Stacks are of various forms and dimensions, according to 

 circumstances ; in some districts they are formed square or oblong, both for hay and 

 corn ; but where threshing-machines are in use, the circular base with cylindrical body, 

 diverging a little at the eaves, and a conical top, is decidedly preferred, as being more 

 convenient in size and form, and better adapted for early stacking in wet seasons than any 

 other. For hay the form of the stack is a matter of less consequence; the long square or 

 oblong shapes are perhaps the most safe and convenient, especially when not too broad, 

 as they are the most suitable to cut from in trussing hay for sale. 



3277. In respect to the sizes of corn-stacks of the square sort, they of course vary greatlv 

 according to circumstances ; but they should never be made too large, as there is a great 

 deal more risk in securing and getting in the grain from them; and from their being built 

 at different times, they do not settle altogether in so perfect a manner, or resist the effects 

 of the weather and keep the grain so well, as those of Jess dimensions that can be com- 

 pleted at once: and, in addition, they are less convenient in the threshing out, especially 

 where the flail is employed. The chief advantages they possess, are tho»e of taking some- 

 thing less in thatch and labour in covering them. 



