'The Last Load': haymaking, 1872.

Plate taken from the Illustrated London News. Despite the growing importance of steam powered machinery in farming, this is a very traditional rural scene: the hay seems to have been brought in by hand, and has been loaded on a horse-drawn wagon. The mood is festive as the last load is brought in; musicians and small children flying flags from the cart, accompany the workers, who include women and older children.