152 SKETCHES OP RURAL AFFAIRS. 



different directions, and made fast to wooden stakes 

 driven into the ground. Another rope, extending from 

 the head of one pole to that of the other, connects the 

 two together, and gives further security. To the head 

 of the two poles are also fastened tackles bearing a hori- 

 zontal pole, over which the rick-cloth is laid so as to 

 form a water-tight roof for the stack. The lower edges 

 of this cloth are either stretched out and fastened to 

 stakes driven into the ground, or if the rick is in pro- 

 gress, they are secured to its sides. This cloth is capable 

 of being raised or lowered according to the convenience 

 of the rick-maker. 



When a rick is completed, it is left for two or three 

 days to settle, before it is thatched, and at this time the 

 rick-cloth affords valuable protection. The sinking of 

 the rick will be more or less according to the way in 

 which it has been made ; but if not slowly built and 

 well trodden down, it may be expected to sink two feet. 

 Great indeed is the change from the time the grass is 

 first cut to that when it is ready for sale as hay. In 

 the course of drying it loses no less than three-quarters 

 of its weight ; and after this there is further loss in 

 heat and evaporation from the rick. Then again, when 

 it comes to be cut up, trussed, and carried away for 

 sale, there is considerable loss in weight, especially if 

 these operations be carried on during the summer. 



It must not be supposed, however, that all heat can 

 be excluded from the rick, or that it would be desirable 

 to get rid of it. A moderate degree of fermentation is 

 necessary to the. preservation of the mass : it is called 

 by praotical men the " sweating of hay in the stack," 

 and gives a certain flavour to the hay, which is agree- 

 able to cattle, and which also renders it more wholesome. 

 This " sweating " of the hay gives it a somewhat brown 

 colour ; but very different from the dark tint of " mow- 

 burnt " hay. In the neighbourhood of large cities there 

 appears to be a preference for hay of a fine light colour; 

 but persons experienced in the management of stock 



