HARVEST HOME
When the last field of corn was cut, then the farmer had what was called a “shutting.” The reapers would stand in a ring on some high ground, and one, acting as spokesman, gave out the “nominy”:—
“Oh, yes! oh, yes! oh, yes! this is to give notice
That Mester ’Olland has gen th’ seck a turn
And sent th’ owd hare into Mester Sincop’s standin’ curn.”
Then, taking hands, they all bent down and uttered an unearthly “Wow! wow-w! wow-w!” Other “nominies” followed, and then a liberal allowance of beer went round. This was supplemented by another ceremony. The last stalks of grain were plaited and formed into a threefold strand, at which the reapers threw their sickles. The one whose aim cut it down was the winner. This was called “cutting the Neck.”