THE WHEAT CEOP. 59 



The diameter of a circular stack should average between 

 12 and 18 feet at the bottom, bearing in mind always 

 the height it is intended to be, and the quantity of sheaves 

 it is to contain. The diameter at the eaves should be 

 from one-sixth to one-fourth greater than at the base ; this 

 gives a slope to the sides sufficient to protect them from 

 the weather. These diameters can readily be followed, 

 and the symmetry of the stack be preserved, by providing 

 the stacker with a rod or stick, with the desired lengths 

 notched on it, so that he may keep the proper distance from 

 the centre all the way round the stack. After a little 

 practice circular stacks are easier to build than oblong 

 ones; they are always more economical, as a circle contains 

 within its periphery (circumference) a larger area than 

 any other form can do, consequently there is less outside. 

 In large-sized stacks, or in unfavourable harvests, a trian- 

 gular boss 1 may be advantageously placed on the staddle, 

 and used as a centre in building up the stack. In 

 oblong stacks the breadth should not be less than 4 yards 

 nor exceed 6 yards, and it is generally advantageous to 

 have the stack built up in lengths of from 4 to 6 yards, 

 so that one portion may be taken down and thrashed 

 without disturbing the other. 



It is most advisable that all stacks, of whatever size 

 or shape they may be, should be built on staddles. This 

 not only secures them from the attacks of vermin, but by 

 having free ventilation beneath the stack, improves the 

 condition of the grain. Kickstands, in iron complete, are 

 now sold by several firms, or suitable iron staddles may 

 be purchased, and used with a wood frame. 2 



1 Three short fir poles, or even rough slabs, tied together at top with a straw 

 band and opened out at their base, are all that is required. In some places 

 draining pipes are used to carry currents of air through the stacks ; in others, 

 again, a chimney is kept open in the centre, by building round a sack stuffed 

 with hay, which is drawn up by the stacker as the work proceeds. 



2 For circular stacks of 16 to 18 feet diameter, the pentagon (5 sides) or hex- 

 agon shape (6 sides) is sufficient, care being taken to have the centre staddle 



