File:Scythe with cloth gatherer, a cradle type made before 1802.png

English: Illustration (engraving) of a type of cradle scythe equipped with a cloth gatherer. – Quote: "After […] descriptions, and observations [of problems with an "Austrian Scythe", a larger type of cradle with wooden teeth], relative to the Silesion Scythe, had been published, the Milanese Patriotic Society [Società Patriottica di Milano] made additional experiments, from which it appeared, that when the stalks of corn are bent down in consequence of heavy rains, the wooden teeth are apt to catch some of the ears, to the stalks of which the blade does not extend; and thus, not being cut below, the ears are pulled down and the grain is scattered. This accident happens principally, when the labourers, not being sufficiently acquainted with the use of the scythe, are unable to adapt it to particular circumstances. – To remedy these inconveniencies, it occurred to an ingenious black-smith, to add a collector or gatherer, made of cloth, the construction of which is represented in the annexed Cut."

Description of Fig. D4 (the letters virtually appear upside down):

• a–b–c) a common scythe
• c, d, m, l, o, f, n, e) the gatherer; which is composed of:
  • c–d–e) a thin iron plate; having a cavity at its extremity, for receiving the point of the blade
  • e, d) holes for sewing in the cloth, which is light, coarse and cheap: it is likewise fixed to two thick iron wires, the upper of which is continued to f), where it terminates in a hole, in the handle: – the other is secured to the back of the blade
• Detached figure) The method of fixing the gatherer to such blade, will be more clearly understood by referring to the small detached figure, delineated in the cut above given, and representing one of the irons, which are secured by means of screws to the back of the scythe. These irons proceed from, and constitute a part of, the upright irons m, n, I, o) that that serve to keep the gatherer extended.
• Further notes: This contrivance is very simple and cheap: an attempt, however, has been made to simplify it still farther, by substituting for the gatherer two iron-hoops, represented in the Cut last referred to, by the dotted lines, marked h, g, k, i), with p), a cross-piece, that serves to connect them; thus saving the cloth and iron plate before described. – Experiments, however, have been made with both these implements; from the result of which it appears, that the gatherer is, upon the whole, preferable to the hoops, as no ears of corn are left behind; and that the latter alteration promises to be most serviceable, when there is no short corn, that can insinuate itself between such iron hoops.