7*2 SCIENCE OF THRESHING. 



to the right tension. If a belt is too tight, it is much 

 the better plan, instead of overstraining it when 

 putting it on, to let out the lacing and then take it up 

 when the belt has found its place. If dry and hard, 

 a little neatsfoot oil in which a little resin has been 

 dissolved will soften a belt and add to its life. The 

 rivet heads on the pulley lagging must not project 

 for they cut the surface of the belt as it passes over 

 them. 



See that every bolt and nut in the machine is in its 

 proper place and tightened. If the frame of the 

 machine is warped, try to get it in line. Replace 

 worn cylinder and concave teeth with new ones. 

 Special attention should be given to the straw rakes 

 and raddles that they be in good condition. If 

 wooden trucks are used, the tires must be examined to 

 see if they are tight; if iron wheels are employed, 

 every spoke must be screwed up to its proper tension. 



The tool box is an important adjunct to a well 

 equipped outfit. It should be provided with the 

 necessary tools, such as hammers, wrenches, chisels, 

 files, etc., as well as assorted sizes of bolts, screws, 

 rivets and nails that are liable to be needed at any 

 time. Much valuable time is often saved by being 

 able to replace such small parts as are liable to be lost 

 or broken. Each tool and article should have a 

 place in the box and be kept there, so that it can 

 be found when wanted, and will be missed from its 

 usual position as soon as mislaid or lost. The box 

 must be well covered to exclude all dirt and chaff. 



If the machine be a new one, everything should be 



