326 CEBEALS. 



four feet from the ground, at an angle, so as to cross over 

 the opposite row towards the rear. The two first stalks in 

 each row must be twisted together, so as to form a rest for 

 the beginning. After that, they will lie on each other, 

 forming a flat of the two rows, the brush, with a portion of 

 the stem, projecting rearwards on the opposite side from 

 where it grew. The two hands following after on each 

 side will cut off the bush, with stems attached, six or eight 

 inches long and lay it upon the "table" made by the bent 

 corn. It can here remain, according to the weather, until, 

 if the latter is favorable, it becomes nearly dry. It must 

 be carried to the barn, or other shelter, and "poled," or 

 spread on lathes, or resting poles, which extend across the 

 barn, and left there until it becomes perfectly dry. In no 

 other condition is it merchantable, except at an inferior 

 price. 



In the meantime, while drying, it is also stripped of its 

 seed, which is done, either by hand, horse or steam power, 

 by threshers made for the business. A good horse-thresher 

 will clean about three acres per day; steam, more; hand- 

 power less. After threshing, the drying process is com- 

 pleted, and it is ready to be baled. 



Every man who raises it to any extent, should provide 

 himself with a press, which can be cheaply made, by putting 

 a lever in a tree, post, or in the side of a barn, having 

 two, strongly batoned sides to shape the bale. Tobacco 

 prizes will answer for baling. In baling, the farmer should 

 use wire, and lay the corn straight; tie securely, and 

 trim the ends squarely. A neat, tight, well-made bale will 

 command a quick sale over a slovenly-made one, even if the 

 corn is not so good. After the crop is off, the ground 

 should be rolled and a three-horse plow passed over it, so 

 as to turn the stubble into the soil. By so doing, it will 

 rot, and the ground will be light, loose and fertile for an- 

 other crop, the amount taken off being small in proportion 

 to that raised on the ground. Some cut the stalks and carry 



