Several reaping machines are also at work gathering in the crops, although commonly the scythe and sickle are used.
There are now upwards of twenty portable steam thrashing machines employed during the har vest, itinerating from farm to farm.  Several reaping machines are also at work gathering in the crops, although commonly the scythe and sickle are used.  Malmesbury, the principal township of this grain bearing country, is about forty miles distant from Cape Town.