(Mishnah) (R. Meir): One may not spray water on the field (before the poor have come to collect the Leket, as it damages them when they come to the field).

(Chachamim): It is permitted, as he can pay them for the damage.

(Gemara) Baraisa: One who waters his field before the poor passed through it, if his damage (if he would not water) is more than that of the poor (if he waters), it is permitted, if the damage of the poor (if he waters) is more than his damage (if he would not water), it is prohibited.

(R. Yehuda): Either way, the owner should collect the Leket and place it on the fence and the poor should come and take it.

Question: The opinion of R. Yehuda seems to have switched - there (in the 7th Perek), Rabbi Yehuda said that it is permitted pull out vines in order to improve those that remain, even though a portion that would have gone to the poor is being lost. However, here, he said that the owner must leave the poor's portion on the fence for them and he may not waste it?

Answer: There, he had first waited for the poor to be able to pass, so it is permitted; here, even if they would have tried to come and take, they would not have been able to do so.

Question: The opinion of Rabbanan seems to have switched - the Rabbanan said in the Baraisa (above) - if the damage caused to the owner if he would not water is greater than the damage done to the poor when he does water, he may water. But in our Mishnah, they always permit him to water?

Answer: In the Baraisa, it is impossible to avoid damages (since a large quantity of water is used); here, it is possible to avoid damages (since water is merely sprayed). (Note: There is considerable variation in the commentaries on this sugya. The explanation presented here is that of the Meleches Shlomo and several others.)

Even though R. Meir taught in the Mishnah that one may not spray, he may deduct his resultant loss from the portion of the poor. And even though the Rabbanan allow him to spray, he must reimburse the poor for their loss.

Question: Which poor people should he pay?

Answer (R. Yona): The poor of that city.

Question: What would you have thought otherwise?

Answer (R. Chiya bar Ada): It is to teach that in Beis Din, the poor can force the owner to pay.