File:Silesian scythe, a cradle type made before 1802.png

English: Illustration (engraving) of a "Silesian type" of cradle scythe. – Quote: "These scythes were first introduced to public notice, by the Patriotic Society of Milan [Società Patriottica di Milano], in one of the earlier volumes of their Transactions. Convinced of the inconveniencies arising from the use of the common instruments, they procured a model of a Silesian Scythe, with which the corn in that country is uniformly mown. Having caused a similar implement to be constructed, it was accordingly tried; and, notwithstanding its imperfect manufacture, as well as this circumstance, that the labourer had never used a scythe on such principle, it was fully proved, that nearly half the usual time was saved, and the fatigue or labour, was considerably lessened. Farther, the corn was thus cut without receiving any injury from the concussion in falling to the ground, on which it was spread in a regular manner, so that it could be easily formed into sheaves. […] This figure represents the Silesian Scythe, which varies little from that commonly employed for mowing grass: the blade, however, is somewhat smaller, and has four wooden teeth which are fixed parallel to it, with a view to prevent the grain from being scattered, when it is cut; so that the labourer is enabled to lay it on the ground in an even and regular way."

Description of Fig. D3 (the letters virtually appear upside down):

• a–b) the handle, which is two Milanese brasses and 9 1/2 inches, or about 4 feet and 4 inches English measure, in length
• b–c) the blade, being one brass and 3 ½ Milanese inches, or about two feet one inch long – the piece of wood, in which the teeth are inserted, is one brass, 1 ½ inches, or nearly two feet in length