30 The Human Machine on the Land. [Apr., 



operations into individual actions, eliminated the wasteful ones, 

 and taught the others separately. Next they are run together 

 and operation is linked to operation. As these are repeated 

 there must be an easy connection between them making a 

 series of smooth movements each similar, but necessary for 

 continuous work. We see it in mowing, hoeing (w^hen done 

 in the proper manner), digging, axe work, planting cabbages, 

 &c. Finally, the human machine tunes itself up to a speed 

 compatible with endurance through an average working day. 



Need for Intelligent Observation. — However, the human 



machine should be made to bring its intelligence to bear, to 

 realise its powers, and the mechanical forces within it. The 

 simplest laws of mechanics must be followed. These can be 

 taught very simply and quickly by simple illustration. It may 

 be mentioned that little effective work can be done with the 

 legs straight and rigid. The body and legs must relax, other- 

 wise the rocking and rolling actions obtainable about the hinges 

 or joints at the hips, knee and ankle, so necessary to give 

 effect to body swing, either fore and aft or laterally, cannot be 

 obtained. They give an opportunity to take advantage of good 

 footwork and stance — two of the first essentials, as they afford 

 the opportunity to make use of momentum, and to regain 

 equilibrium, without which rythmical actions will not be 

 maintained. 



Then again relaxation is needed to allow the body to go 

 down to the squat or crouch to do any work where stooping is 

 required, and to do it without a backache — as in cabbage 

 planting. The body must always have an easy balance or 

 poise, or it will be overbalanced, so that power is lost and 

 a proper sequence of actions cannot be taken. It is not 

 necessary to go near to a man to see if he is working properly; 

 it is shown as soon as he can be clearly seen. Sufficient proof 

 is afforded by the fact that a man keeps time with himself 

 throughout his work. It may be clearly seen whether a man 

 works inside his work, or uses a tight grip where he should use 

 the running hand, or uses the ham knuckle jerk in lifting a 

 sheaf on to a wagon or rick, or is using his body leverage and 

 not merely an arm lift or swing. Whether he understands the 

 simple laws of levers as applied to the mechanism of his own 

 body, has some knowledge of a suitable line of draught, realises 

 the advantage of using his reach, has a notion of timing an 

 action or values the effect of wrist work and other points, is 

 discernible to anyone who has a proper knowledge of skilled 

 workmanship. 



