19-2-2.] Covers for Corn Stooks and II \ v Cocks. 879 



fasteners consisted of cord (two pieces on each cover) which were 

 fastened through eyelets on one side of the cover, and when 

 adjusted were threaded through the srook by means of a long 

 steel needle and fastened to eyelets on the opposite side of the 

 cover. 



The trials were carried out in 1920 at Cambridge University, 

 Armstrong College (Newcastle-on-Tyne), Leeds University, Aber- 

 ystwyth Plant Breeding Station, Newton Kigg Farm School 

 (Westmorland), and in the counties of Derby, Cornwall, and 

 Cardigan. 



Durability of Covers. — The covers stood rain well at Cam- 

 bridge, Leeds, Cardigan and Cornwall. Conditions seem to 

 have been more adverse at Armstrong College, Aberystwyth. 

 Newton Bigg, and Derby. More damage was apparently caused 

 by high wind than by rain. At Armstrong College four weeks 

 of bad weather lotted and tore the covers, at Aberystwyth 70-80 

 per cent, were broken after a week of unsettled weather, in 

 1 >erby some were ripped by the wind, while at Newton Rigg the 

 trial covers withstood heavy rain but some were torn by high 

 winds. 



The result of the trials seemed to show that if the covers were 

 used in districts where the heaviest weather is experienced they 

 must be made of more durable material. 



Efficacy and Special Uses. — At Cambridge the rain passed off 

 the covers and the corn beneath dried continuously though 

 rather more slowly than that which was not covered. At Leeds 

 rain followed the cutting of the barley so that the corn was wet 

 when stooked. Unfavourable drying conditions followed, and 

 when stacked the moisture content of the covered corn was 

 found to be higher than that of the uncovered. At Aberystwyth 

 the covers that withstood the wet spell kept the stooks in very 

 good condition, provided they had been covered when the 

 sheaves were dry. Stooks that were covered when damp were 

 in a poor condition when the covers were removed. 



Tn Derby the covers kept the oats dry, and, when taken off, 

 the oats were very clean and bright. In Cornwall the oats under 

 the covers were in splendid condition and the covers were st;» t* m 1 

 to provide protection against wood pigeons and to be useful, 

 therefore, in positions adjoining woods. 



It appeared that in Cardigan. Derby and Cumberland the 

 covers would have to meet the competition of local methods oi 

 covering stooks. In Derby and Cumberland it is usual to place 

 hooding sheaves on the top of the stools to act as cover. 



