Knoxville journal. [volume] (Knoxville, Iowa) 1874-1986, 1875-08-12
Hints on Stacking.

The uncertainties attending the produc-
ton of small grain, especially wheat, in
most parts of the West, make 1t important
that farmers take every precaution to Sc
cure and protect the grain from damage
by rains, which SO often occur about har-
vest-time A very critical period is past
when the harvest is put into the shock In
good condition, but the danger of damage
does not cease until il is put intothe stack,
and then the danger may be greater than
at any other time, unless the stacking is
well done.
The straw should be ,as dry as possible
when stacked, for, IN whatever condition
il may be, there is degree Of dampness
or sweat" it passes through, more or less
marked in its effects. 1T any part OF the
handles are saturated with water, the
stacks become permeated with mold,
which does more on less damage TO the
straw and grain. But If stacked when
seemingly dry, there will be enough
dampness developed within few days 10
take It through what farmers call a
sweat" which improves the condition OF
the grain in appearance and prevents heat
ing in the bin when threshed.
After grain is sufficiently dry to be
stacked. farmers often let other work OF
less importance interfere with the final
gathering in of the harvest, allowing
much of il to be damaged or destroyed by
a little neglect Just at the time the work
ought to be done.
Two teams with wagons, If the gram is
not TO be hauled to exceed one-half mile,
with four men--or boy may do the load
ing-can perform the work with the greatest
economy. Select high point of ground,
or one we'll drained, and place, II possible,
rails. brush, straw or other rubbish for
foundation If none Of these are con-
yenient. commence in the middle OF the
stack by standing the sheaves upright at
first and inclning the heads downward as
the foundation enlarges. When much
grain is raised ricks are the most con-
yeDient. Place them north and south,
and leave enough room for setting the
tbreshina-machine between and 50 that the
sun NAV have access 10 the sides. Thus
four ricks may be placed in pairs, with the
ends together, yielding 400 or 800 bushels
of wheat or 800 to / 200 bushels OF oats Ii
we'll flled, and threshed at one setting tof
the machine. They should be left far
enough apart 50 that the machine may be
set in any direction as the occasion re-
ouires. Grain is often poorly cleaned or
wasted. and the straw is handled with a
great deal of extra labor by not being able
10 work with the wind and not against
II Ten feet wide and twenty five feet long
is foundation enough to erect the largest
sized rick.
BY carefully pursuing the following
plan. the stackers may perform the work
RAPIDLY and leave ii in such shape as to
be in no danger of damage from rains :
Build up few layers Of sheayes, walking
around the foundation upon the ground,
making the foundation as square a. may
be. This being done, tramp the sheaves
firmly. keeping them AZ near level as pos
sible, only making the middle fnil alter
the drawing i'm of the stack is com,
menced or the biIge is completed; Bnild
up perpendicularly four or i've feet rom
the ground, so when the stack settles the
butts Of the sheaves will not rest upon IL.
DO not get upon your knees when you
stack. for il Is hard work and wears ou'
your clothes. Put the sheaves in place
with your hands, or a pitchfork may be