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.”