4i 8 Method of Drying Hay in Sweden. [oct., 



the long grass or vetch is then thrown over the cords. It is 

 thus in rainy seasons kept off the ground, and as the wind 

 constantly blows through it, it dries rapidly after a shower, 

 and a few hours' sunshine will suffice to bring it to a proper 

 condition for carrying. The poles and cords are then moved 

 elsewhere as required. By this system in wet summers, 

 practically 90 per cent, of the hay is saved, and the initial 

 expense of cutting the poles (which last many seasons) and of 

 providing the cord is well repaid. This method is universally 

 used in central Sweden. 



Further north the poles are prepared with cross pieces in- 

 serted or have short branches left on them (see Fig. 2) , and light 

 bars of wood are laid across the supports instead of the tarred 

 cord. It is remarkable how few of these groups of poles suffice 

 to hold up to the air the whole of a heavy crop. 



In Sweden wood is, of course, extremely plentiful and is 

 found on every large estate, so that the initial cost is com- 

 paratively small. The method might, however, be worth while 

 considering even in parts of Great Britain where the cost of 

 light poles would be much heavier. It would be especially 

 practicable in all districts where spruce and fir are abundant. 



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