This man is loading bundles of oats to be hauled to a thresher usually located near the barn where the straw would be stored for animal bedding.  The bundles have uneven bases, suggesting that the stalks may have been cut with a scythe.  Also, the bundles are tied with a sheaf of 10 or 12 stalks of oats, as was often done before twine binders became commercially available beginning in 1878 after the development of the twine knotter.  Needless to say, this labor saving invention (1878, John Appleby, Walworth County, Wisconsin) was rapidly adopted by all brands of small grain harvesters.

Loading oat bundles on wagon

Credit: Unknown

Digital Credit: Harold Hafs

Publisher: None

Rights: No rights reserved - image is in the public domain

Description: This man is loading bundles of oats to be hauled to a thresher usually located near the barn where the straw would be stored for animal bedding. The bundles have uneven bases, suggesting that the stalks may have been cut with a scythe. Also, the bundles are tied with a sheaf of 10 or 12 stalks of oats, as was often done before twine binders became commercially available beginning in 1878 after the development of the twine knotter. Needless to say, this labor saving invention (1878, John Appleby, Walworth County, Wisconsin) was rapidly adopted by all brands of small grain harvesters.

Resolution: 401x504

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