THE WHEAT CROP. 57 



field are left to chance, or the will of the labourer, with- 

 out any special care or directions on the part of the farmer. 

 These matters, though of but small importance, all play 

 their part towards the success of the work. In bind-' 

 ing, a certain size for the sheaf should be determined upon; 

 if too small, unnecessary labour is bestowed ; if too large, 

 they require longer time in the stook, and are more cum- 

 bersome to cart and stack ; therefore it is found that the 

 medium size sheaf, measuring 10 to 12 inches diameter 1 

 at the band is the most convenient size. It is desirable, 

 too, that the stooks should consist of the same number of 

 sheaves ten or twelve probably form the best sized stooks 

 and these should always be set up north and south, so 

 that the influence of the sun's rays may be equally felt on 

 both sides. If these dimensions are attended to, a toler- 

 ably correct estimate may be formed of the probable yield 

 of the crop per acre. 

 For instance : 



No. Stocks. Sheaves. 



1, A light crop, yielding 20 bushels, would require about 18 or 180. 



2, ,, medium crop, ,, 24 ,, 22 220. 



3, good crop, 32 29 290 



4, large crop, 40 36 360. 



5, Very heavy crop, ,,48 43 430. 



In some districts it is customary to pay for cutting by 

 the stook. This, on small farms, where there is no com- 

 mand of labour, has its advantages. It enables the em- 

 ployer more readily to shift his labour from one field to 

 another on any emergency ; his payments are more easily 

 calculated ; supervision is less necessary, as the size and 

 number of sheaves are agreed upon ; and it enables the 

 women to earn money in the field during a portion of 

 each day, and to be at home in sufficient time to perform 

 their domestic duties. 



In all labour arrangements, whether piecework or day- 



1 A sheaf of this size will vary between 20 and 30 Ks. in weight. 



