THE TURNIP-CUTTER. 89 



troughs are filled direct from the machine. There are 

 now several forms of turnip-cutters in use. Our figure 

 represents Baird's machine. It is made of cast iron, and 

 consists of a frame with hopper attached. On the frame 

 is mounted a circular plate of cast iron upon a horizontal 

 axis, to which the winch-handle is attached. The plate 

 has a thickened edge or rim of iron, which gives it, when 

 in motion, the effect of a fly-wheel. It carries two thin 

 cutters or knives. The thickness of the slices is regu- 

 lated by the distance of these knives from the face of the 

 plate. Each knife is preceded by three or more lancet- 

 pointed studs, which, by slitting the turnips in passing, 

 prepare the slices for falling in pieces when they are 

 detached from the knives at each turn of the plate. 

 This goes on as long as the hopper is filled with turnips, 

 their own weight being found sufficient to hold them in 

 the stroke of the knife. Many persons consider iron 

 machines too heavy, and continue to use the old form, 

 which is of wood. 



This plan of giving sliced turnips' is an economical 

 one, and turns the food to the best account. There must 

 be some waste when the sheep are left to scoop out the 

 turnips as they please, and to tread under foot a por- 

 tion of their food ; and yet, there is much advantage to 

 the soil in folding sheep on turnip-fields. By slicing the 

 turnips on the spot, both ends are answered. The ground 

 is enriched by the manure of the sheep, and the food is 

 turned to the best account. 



In folding sheep on turnips, the shepherd uses either 

 hurdles or nets. Hurdles are the most common, but 

 nets, when well managed, are less expensive, and are 

 more easily moved from place to place. The nets are 

 made of strong twine, and through the upper and lower 

 meshes a rope is passed, which is wound round young 

 ash or oak stakes driven into the ground at intervals. 

 The wood for these stakes is seasoned with the bark on, 

 and is driven in with the root end downwards, being 

 found to last better when so put in. The distance of 



