. Corn-harvesting machinery. Corn. Fig. 1.—Com hook. than that made from the shank end, and of better shape. Sometimes a shank was made by beating and hammering the upper end of the blade into proper shape, and sometimes by cutting away the thin part o^ ^he blade for a few inches. By many these old homemade knives are much preferred to the factory-made knife now almost universally used. Th(5 factory-made knives are of all sizes and shapes. The corn hook (fig. 1) now extensively used is generally considered even more convenient than the corn knife. In figure 2 is shown a form of corncutter whic
. Corn-harvesting machinery. Corn. Fig. 1.—Com hook. than that made from the shank end, and of better shape. Sometimes a shank was made by beating and hammering the upper end of the blade into proper shape, and sometimes by cutting away the thin part o^ ^he blade for a few inches. By many these old homemade knives are much preferred to the factory-made knife now almost universally used. Th(5 factory-made knives are of all sizes and shapes. The corn hook (fig. 1) now extensively used is generally considered even more convenient than the corn knife. In figure 2 is shown a form of corncutter which is fastened to the boot. This implement is pushed with considerable force against the stalks, severing them close to the ground. It is unnecessary to stoop over the work when using it. Another form of this implement is made so as to be fastened to the forearm. This form is very convenient for topping. When the corn is cut with a corn knife, it is customary to set it up in shocks to cure. Shocks vary greatly in size, ranging from 6 hills square (36 hills to the shock) to 16 hills square (256 hills); a very common size is 12 hills square (144 hills). Shocks of the smaller sizes are common in the North Atlantic States, where, according to the Connecticut Station, it is more difficult to preserve flint-corn stover; while 10 hills square and 12 hills square are common sizes in the North Central States. A common method is to tie the tops of 4 hills together as they stand, and then to cut and shock the rest of the plants around these. This form is called a four-saddle shock. Another method of making the shock is to use a wooden horse as a temporary support. In either case the shock is built around the support with great care to prevent it from being blown over b}^ heavy^ winds or dam- aged by rain. In some cases the corn is tied into small bundles which are set together to form the shock; more commonly the stalks are gathered as cut and set up an arm- ful at a time. Where the wood
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