IN SCOTLAND.

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gularly as when cut by the reaping-hook; this, no doubt, isthe fact, and must be a very great disadvantage where thethreshing-mill is employed. There is another objection tothe scythe, when the crop is thin, and at the same time com-pletely ripened,—if the stalks have acquired a degree of hard-ness, sufficient to bear the stroke of the scythe, then the shockwill be so great, as to shake out many of the grains; or if thestraw be of a soft texture, in place of being cut and gatheredby the scythe, the crop will be beat down, and great part ofit left uncut.

In regard to the sickle, it is not yet fully ascertained whe-ther the narrow light sickle, or the broad heavy hook, is thebest; neither is it ascertained if this implement should haveteeth in its cutting edge. But w'hether the narrow or broadheavy hook is the most proper for cutting down the grain, itwould seem that those with teeth are preferable to the smoothones, because much time must be lost in sharpening themoften ; whereas those having small teeth may be constantlyemployed for several weeks in cutting, without being sharp-ened.

Many attempts have been made to invent reaping ma-chines, but hitherto without much success, though the import-ance of such a discovery cannot be questioned. Every en-couragement should be given for the invention of so import-ant an implement; for the discovery of which, the DalkeithMonthly Farming Club have very laudably offered a premiumof five hundred pounds.