178 



SKETCHES OF RURAL AFFAIRS. 



incessant industry at this important time. He is ready 

 to say, with one of our old writers, "Experience of mine 

 owne, and conference with the wise, hath taught me this 

 for truth, that early rising maketh a man whole and 

 sound in bodie, quicke in wit and memory, and rich in 

 substance." Accordingly he is up and stirring at the 

 dawn of day, and his labourers, following his good 

 example, are equally on the alert. It is their harvest 

 as well as his ; their wages are higher, and they look 

 forward to many an additional comfort, or to the means 

 of paying off unavoidable debts, when they shall have 

 r eceived their " harvest-money." 



The implement used in reap- 

 ing wheat is either the sickle 

 or the scythe, but most gene- 

 rally the former. The sickle 

 is a simple, but very efficient 

 tool, and has been in use from 

 ancient times. The sickle of 

 our forefathers was serrated, or 

 finely toothed at the edge of 

 the blade ; but that more gene- 

 rally preferred at the present 

 day is smooth-edged and very 

 sharp, and is also longer and 

 bi'oador than the old form. 

 The blade is principally of iron, 



but with an edging of steel. The curve of the blade 

 is considered a matter of great importance, there being 

 a certain form which gives the muscles of the right arm 

 less cause for exertion than other forms, so that by 

 using it the reaper is saved much unnecessary fatigue 

 and toil. The accompanying illustration shows one of 

 the best forms of sickle now in use. 



In reaping with the sickle there is very little waste, 

 and the corn is laid in a regular and even manner, 

 which is of great importance with this valuable crop. 

 The work can be earned on by both men and women ; 



TilE SICKLE. 



