Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1859-09-22
Che tarnler.
harvesting.

1uIN6SIluS.
This important period has arrived, when
the farmer begins to gather in the fruits of
his labors. And it is no small matter to do
it as it should be. If is done 10 a hap
hazard slovenly way, much loss will be sus-
tanned and many hard days labor will be lost.
We shall treat at this time of the proper time
and the best method of harvesting grain. We
shall have something to say upon corn harvest
ing soon. In the meantime let us hear from
correspondents upon this subject. Shall we
cut the whole up, and sheck it? Please give
us the facts and figures, az well as your
opinions, There is time for cutting grain,
which is the time. This one of the many
subjects that farmers do not thoroughly in
vestigate. There is a lack of keen observa-
tion, for which many of US suffer great loss
cs. When grain is .ripening it should be
closely watched, and when the straw near the
heads Of majority OF the stalks has turned,
and is'of straw celor, the grain should be
Immediately cut There may be many green
ish looking heads, yet the circulation of sap
has ceased, and the quicker it is cut the bet
ter There should be no delay after this,
save on account OF foul weather. The advan-
tages derived from this early harvesting it,
are various, 1t is easier cut-more easily
bound and less liable to be hurt by bad
weather. We have no theoretical notions
about this, but speak from experience. When
our grain is in the condition referred to above
the grain cradle is brought into requisition,
and used till noon. The grain then bound in
tsmalliah handles, and stood up ten or twelve
bundles 10 a bunch, making the punches a
little oblopg for, the convenience of putting
,on the caps After, the heads are brought
together as snugly as can be with the hands
and arms, good-sized bundles are placed heels
up over the whole. The bundles are fastened
together by tying "a couple of handfuls Of
straw of the one, around the other.
,By'taking a little pains to place the straw
of the inverted bundles, an almost rain-proof
covering is formed, and during any ordinary
storms, the grainis perfectly safe from in-
jury.
This method has been followed upon our
farm for the last twenty years, and we have
no recollection of any injury being sustained
but once in the whole time, and better -four
mo mortal ever should covet. If any of our
readers don't believe what we say, if they will
call at any reasonable time hence after some
of our spring wheat, which we have this week
harvested, has found its way into the hands
of the cook, they shall apply the test them
selves.
The straw of wheat harvested thus early
lis worth double what it is when it stands till
fully ripe. The cost of harvesting is no more
the risk of storms is no more, and the
wheat is much better. Perhaps the kernel
may not e,quite as plump after it is dry,
but the quality is sure 1t may stand in the
field till dry enough to be threshed. 1t should
have two days sun with caps off, and the tops
pulled apart before it is put in. Be sue
that your grain is not hurt after it is put it
into the bin. A little care will prevent much
-loss.-N Fl. Journal of Agriculture.