36 RAPE, 7, 



be left in the pods, and that which is thrafh- 

 ed out be difficult to cure. 



The method of thrajhing (which has been 

 pra<?tifed in the Vale, perhaps, ever fmcc 

 rape has been cultivated in it) will require 

 more defcription than I can well perfuade 

 myfelf to bellow upon it. But a PUBLIC 

 is RAPE-THRASHIN T G," conducted as it is in 

 this country, is one of the moft ftriking fcenes 

 which occur in the field of Rural Economy. 

 Armies under engagement can fcarcely ex- 

 hibit, to general appearance, greater tumult ; 

 nor, on the parade, can they boaft of better 

 difcipline than may fometimes be obferved in 

 a well-condudtcd rape-thrafhing. 



If the quantity to be thralhed be large ; 

 as twenty or thirty acres ; the whole coun- 

 try, fo many rriiles rcaind, are" collected. 

 The days of thrafhing are confidered as pub- 

 lic days ; the lord of the harveft keeping open 

 jield for all who choofe to come into it ; ample 

 piovifion of meat and drink being, made for 

 \his purpofe. A wake or a fair is not a- 

 fcene of greater joUity.- 



It is not common, however, for unbidden 

 gucfts to go to chefc rural meetings without 



