390 OV STRAW, ITS VALUE, AND USES, 



. he ever knew, were accustomed to cut wheat much earlier 

 than common in their respective districts. One of these 

 was a miller in Norfolk, who occupied a large farm, where 

 he always cut his wheat several days before any one else 

 thought of beginning, well knowing the good conesquences 

 in the value of the grain. It must also be less apt to be 

 injured by shaking or harvesting.* 



It is also not unusual to cut the grain knee high, and 

 only to give, what some consider to be the slender' and 

 more succulent parts of the stalk to the cattle, whilst others 

 maintain, that the straw nearest the root is the most nou- 

 rishing. On this subject, Mr Young remarks, that in re- 

 gard to cutting grain higher or lower, there are advanta- 

 ges in the former, particularly in threshing, and in more 

 expeditiously carting and stacking ; but that the stubble 

 should be cut very soon after harvest, otherwise its virtue, 

 as litter, will be injured ; and that it will not answer for 

 thatching, (as practised in some parts of England), or for 

 covering stacks. This high-cutting plan, however, is re- 

 probated in Scotland, on the ground, that much grain is 

 thus wholly lost in cutting, (for a stubble of 12 or 18 



* Without any regard to the value of the straw, it is allowed to be an 

 advantage, to cut wheat, as well as all other grain, while there is yet much 

 of the natural juices in the straw. Mr John Shirreff is of opinion, that all 

 sorts of grain ought to be cut, whenever the straw, immediately below 

 the ear, is so dry, that on twisting it no juice can be expressed, however 

 green the straw may be in the lower part of the stalk; for then the grain 

 cannot improve, as the circulation of the juices to the ear has stopped. 

 Every hour grain stands uncut after passing this stage, it sustains dete- 

 rioration, from losing much of its fragrance and peculiar flavour ; also 

 its brightness of colour, by exposure to the atmosphere; to say nothing 

 of the risk from shaking by high winds, or even in the act of reaping, if 

 allowed to stand too long. It may require perhaps a common pocket 

 magnifier to ascertain the expressing of the juices, unless where a person 

 has uncommon good eyes. 



