HORSE IIAY-EAKES. 



167 



too short, the teeth were hard to guide ; if too long, the 

 rake was unloaded with difficulty. Handles served to guide 



Ficr. 184. 



Simple Horse-rake. 



the teeth, to lift the rake from the ground in avoiding ob- 

 structions, and to empty the accumulated hay. 



In using this rake, the teeth were run flat upon the 

 ground, passing under, and collecting the hay. When 

 full, the horse was stopped, the handles thrown forward, 

 the rake emptied and lifted over the windrow thus formed. 

 The windrows, as in other horse-rakes, were made at 

 right angles to the path of the rake, each load being de- 

 posited opposite the last heap formed, in previously cross- 

 ing the meadow. A few hours' practice enabled any one 

 to use this rake without difficulty ; the only skill required 

 Avas to keep the teeth under the hay, and above the 

 ground. 



In addition to raking, this implement was employed for 

 sweeping the hay from the windrow, and drawing it to the 

 stack. It was also useful for cleaning up the scattered 

 hay from the meadow, at the close of the work ; for rak- 

 ing grain-stubble, and for pulling and gathering peas. If 

 made of the toughest wood, and with the proper taper in 

 the main parts for lightness and strength, according to 

 the principles already pointed out in a previous chapter, 

 it was easily lifted, and its use not attended with severe 

 labor. 



