eshing-floor prepared extempore
for the purpose, where the ground is firm and dry, and the chaff
is separated by winnowing."--Wilkinson, "Ancient Egyptians," ii.
41 foll.

Soc. Yes, I am aware of that much, and beast of burthen is a general
name including oxen, horses, mules, and so forth. [8]

[8] See Varro, i. 52, as to tritura and ventilatio.

Isch. Is it your opinion that these animals know more than merely how to
tread the corn while driven with the goad?

Soc. What more can they know, being beasts of burthen?

Isch. Some one must see, then, that the beasts tread out only what
requires threshing and no more, and that the threshing is done evenly
itself: to whom do you assign that duty, Socrates?

Soc. Clearly it is the duty of the threshers who are in charge. [9] It
is theirs to turn the sheaves, and ever and again to push the untrodden
corn under the creatures' feet; and thus, of course, to keep the
threshing-floor as smooth, and finish off the work as fast, as possible.

[9] Or, "to the over-threshers," "the drivers" (Holden).

Isch. Your comprehension of the facts thus far, it seems, keeps pace
with mine.

Soc. Well, after that, Ischomachus, we will proceed to cleanse the corn
by winnowing. [10]

[10] Breit. cf. Colum. "de r. r." ii. 10, 14, 21; vide Rich, s.v.
ventilabrum.

Isch. Yes, but tell me, Socrates; do you know that if you begin the
process from the windward portion (of the threshing-floor), you will
find your chaff is carried over the whole area.

Soc. It must be so.

Isch. Then it is more than likely the chaff will fall upon the corn.

Soc. Yes, considering the distance, [11] the chaff will hardly be
carried across the corn into the empty portion of the threshing-floor.

[11] Lit. "it is a long space for the chaff to be carried." Al. (1)
"It is of great consequence the chaff should be carried beyond the
corn." (2) "It often happens that the corn is blown not only on to
the corn, but over and beyond it into the empty portion of the
threshing-floor." So Breit.

Isch. But now, suppose you begin winnowing on the "lee" side of the
threshing-floor? [12]

[12] Or, "on the side of the threshing-floor opposite the wind." Al.
"protected from the wind."

Soc. It is clear the chaff will at once fall into the chaff-receiver.
[13]

[13] A hollowed-out portion of the threshing-floor, according to
Breitenbach.

Isch. And when you have cleansed t