212 



the "Annals of Britisli Agriculture" an instance is mentioned in which 

 200 bushels have been raised off one acre. This at first sight may ap- 

 pear incredible, but a close examination will enable us to see that such 

 a return is not impossible. 



In a treatise on husbandry, published more than 100 years ago, by 

 C. Varle, Esq., the writer calculates that a square foot of land can give -^ 

 room enough to 30 ears of wheat, allowing about five square inches for « 

 each ear. Now it is jiossible for an ear to yield 80 grains in weight, of 

 wheat, and 80 by 270, amounts to 21,600 grains, or 3 lbs. l^ oz. per 

 square yard, which is more than a bushel and a half to the square rod, 

 and consequently exceeds 240 bushels per acre;" but this amount has 

 seldom if ever been realized, and taking into account the many disap- 

 pointments which stand in array against the farmer, we shall be satisfied 

 if we attain ^ of the amount, which is 60 bushels, and this return can 

 certainly be ensured by proper cultivation. I have frequently seen 

 wheat produce 70 bushels jier acre, and once or twice have succeeded 

 in raising that amount myself; but I am very well acquainted with alt 

 the vicissitudes of a farmer's life, and have seen the most luxuriant and 

 promising crops yield a very poor return, We cannot command the 

 elements, but Ave can improve our soil by manuring, and observing a 

 proper rotation of crops; and we can sometimes preserve our wheat 

 from injury, by judicious management. 



We have seen that it is not for want of room that 200 bushels of 

 wheat cannot be raised on an acre of land ; it must then be from a want 

 of suitable ingredients in the soil, that the average produce of wheat is 

 so miserably small, especially in this country. 



It is a strange anomaly, that whilst American agricultural machines 

 are the best in the world, and bear the palm at every European exhibi- 

 tion, the American cannot successfully compete with the European far- 

 mer in raising wheat ; but such is the fact, and the reasons can be told 

 in a few words. The wheat crops in this country are deficient, because ' 



A proper rotation of crops is not observed. 



An inferior quality of seed is generally sown. 



Suitable manures are not used. 



Weeding is neglected. 



Draining is not yet sufliciently practiced. 



Harrowing and rolling in spring are neglected. A rotation of crops 



