So shall ye reap

sir – On holiday in Romania a few years ago, a farmer with a scythe (Letters, May 23) was mowing the orchard next to our cottage.

When I expressed an interest, he showed me how to peen the blade on a little anvil, to thin and work-harden it. He then gave me his scythe to try out, but was not very impressed with my efforts. He was much amused when we showed him a clip on my phone of the scything scene from Poldark.

I bought a blade in an ironmonger there and fashioned the straight handle, or snath, when I got home. It has been a very useful tool, though my technique still requires improvement. Simon Coates

Taunton, Somerset