302 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



an even stand, where planting is done with a machine. Grading, or 

 screening the corn, insures an even stand where a planter is used. 



Figs. 8 and 9 show the germination and growth of tip, middle, and 

 butt kernels, and this is in accord with a considerable number of tests 

 made by one of our college students, some years since. 



THE SOIL. 



Well manured, well prepared clover sod is the ideal place for corn. 

 Timothy sod is objectionable in Michigan, for the reason, according to 

 Prof. Pettit of the Experiment Station, that the timothy bulbs are the 

 breeding places from which come the wire worm, the cut worm, and the 

 corn bill-bug, all serious enemies of corn. 



THE MANURE. 



There is a difference of opinion as to when the manure should be 

 applied to the clover sod. If the soil is reasonably good, the manure 

 might profitably be applied to the pasture, thus giving the pasture the 

 benefit of the manure. The corn will still profit largely from it also. 



THE PLOWING AND OTHER PREPARATION. 



Plow reasonably deep, in good time, at least two weeks before plant- 

 ing, and more if possible. Roll to bring the newly turned sod into 

 contact with the lower soil. Disc or spring tooth well. Follow with 

 a peg tooth harrow. Work often euough thereafter till planting time, to 

 keep the soil thoroughly mellow to a depth of 3 inches. Early plowing 

 and subsequent v\^orking promote proper conditions of moisture, ventila- 

 tion and temperature, all of which are so necessary to an abundant 

 supply of available plant food for the young crop of corn. Young plants 

 as well as young animals profit by a good supply of food, and suffer as 

 well when the supply is insufficient. 



PLANTING. 



Plant as early as soil conditions will permit. Plant only so deep 

 as may be necessary to insure sufficient moisture to the germinating 

 kernel. The kernel and the succeeding plant both need the warmth of 

 the sun. The depth will be greater in sand than in clay. 



Three kernels to the hill is considered good planting. If the seed is 

 of high quality, and the ground well prepared, this should insure a good 

 stand. 



The question of hills as against drills is one that should be settled by 

 each individual for himself. The use to which the crop is to be put 

 must be a factor in deciding the question. It is generally thought that 

 a given number of plants, distributed to one in a place, will give a 

 larger yield than if planted in hills of 3 or -4 plants in a place, but occu- 

 pying the same total area. This is denied by some good authorities. 

 Try it. Why not? 



After planting, harroAV at least once before the corn comes up, to 

 destroy starting weeds, and loosen the soil. Our best corn growers 

 harrow once or twice more before the cultivator is started. 



