(Mishnah): Originally they said that as long as a person collects only the large wood, he may gather wood and grasses from his own land in the same way that he would gather from his friend's land (where it is clear that he isn't attempting to improve the ground).

When the (number of) sinners multiplied (who would collect even small pieces from their own field), Chazal decreed that a person may collect any wood from his friend's field, without receiving any favor (even the owner expressing gratitude), and the friend certainly may not agree to provide him with sustenance.

(Gemara): "Originally they said'' - R. Yona said that it should be taught as, "Originally they said that as long as a person collects only the large wood, he may gather wood and grasses from his own land in the same way that he would gather large and small pieces from his friend's land.

They were suspected of collecting small pieces and claiming that they only gathered large ones, Chazal decreed that each may gather only from the other person's field, without receiving any favor (even the owner expressing gratitude).

They became suspected of collecting for favor and they were denying it, so Chazal decreed that they should only collect from that which is near and Hefker (ownerless).

(R. Zeira): The first decree became established but the second one became annulled (because the people were not able to fulfill it).

If his animal was there, his animal proves that he is collecting wood for his animal rather than to improve the field. If his stove was there, it also proves that he needs the wood to fuel it.

Question: If he collected large pieces of wood, may he return and collect small ones?

Rejection of question: If you say that he may, there will always be some large ones there and he will ultimately collect all of the wood in his field!

Question: If his field was filled with only large pieces of wood, may he collect?

Answer: There are two Mishnahs with differing opinions about this - one permits and the other prohibits...

One who removes stones from his field - he takes the upper ones and leaves the ones touching the ground - this indicates that it is permitted.

How many trees are considered Meidel (when there are many olive trees growing in close proximity, some are removed in order that the remaining ones grow better)? One or two. (Beis Hillel permits even uprooting them, even though it appears that he is working the land.) And similarly here, it is permitted to remove all of the wood. Is this also permitted on Chol HaMoed?

Answer (Baraisa): As long as a person collects only the large wood, he may gather wood and grasses from his own land in the same way that he would gather large and small pieces from his friend's land. However, this is not permitted on Chol Hamoed, as it can wait until afterwards.

Question: Do the laws of gathering stones also apply to Chol HaMoed?

Answer (Baraisa): Yes.

The person knows in his heart whether he is removing the stones to straighten his path or as a cunning way to improve his field.

(R. Yosi citing Menachem): R. Akiva would walk around in Sheviis (checking if people were observing the laws). He saw a person pruning his vineyard and asked him, "Don't you know that this is prohibited?'' The man replied that he needs the branches to make baskets. R. Akiva said, "The heart knows whether you are pruning to make baskets or to improve the vine''.