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AGRICULTURAL MAGAZINE.

No. LXL] AUGUST, 1804. Von XL]

a.

THE YORKSHIRE SLEDGE FOR HAY.

To the Editor of the Agricultural Magazine. Stu:

YERHAPS under the disadvantage of the uncertainty of our climates, one third of the immense quantity of hay produced, is either entirely Spoiled, or deprived of the greater part of its nutritious qualities. It has, therefore, always been 2 material desideratum with farmers to ascertain expedients to prezerve it, and we have had in consequence, long disger- tations on the most Secure way of leaving it in the field. But itis well known, that even in the last Stage, when the hay Seems in a perfect State, from the deficiency in the number of carts and cattle, all the care of the husbandman is often disap- pointed in its object, his produce is exposed to the Storm, and

is more Suited to the dung heap, than the Stack yard.

The annz2xed plate will assist in explaining a Simple con- trivance of a Sledge employed in the northern distriets of Yorkshire. It is used for readily collecting the hay together when raked into rows, and intended to be Stacked, either in the field itself, or in a place not distant from the field. Your readers are aware, that the usual way of loading, 1s by two pitchers, and two loaders, who must be Some of the ztrongest and most expert men on the ground. This machine only requires a boy as a driver, and may be loaded by women with the greatest ease and promptitude, 50 thal the most dex- terous hands may be reserved for tue Stack, or other Situations where they may be more wanted.

A. Is a view of the whole Sledge.

B. Is the frame of the bottom part, which is boarded on the

upper, as Shewn in M.

C. represents he Side of the Sledge.

aa. Are two pieces of iron üxed on the frame, with nuts

and Screws. On each of these is a ring, to which the

11 OD

horses are attached, one horse going an each Side of tbe

row, until the Sledge be loaded: after which, one horse

crosses the row, and the load is drawn to the Stack."

When arrived, tbe horses are turned about, andthe rings run to the other ends of the iron, with which the traces

Ag. Mag. Vol. 11. M

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