coEN growers' association-. 255 



r 



The plant rootlets that are so tender and porons and such good ab- 

 sorbing organs are very numerous in a good natural seed bed. It is in- 

 tended that they shall come in contact with moist earth in every fraction 

 of their course. 



If the seed bed is filled with air chambers or with puddled clods these 

 rootlets can not secure plant food and the plant often sends out roots 

 in much larger quantity than necessary in order to secui'e food. This is 

 exhausting on the plant life and dwarfing to its growth and yield. 



The ideal seed bed is well drained, fertile, rich and mellow with 

 humus, fine and free from large air chambers and clods. 



After thoroughly discussing the subject of "What Constitutes the 

 Best Seed Bed," it was the opinion of the majority of the members of the 

 Association that clover made the best humus after it was properly turned 

 under with a large disc. 



Mr. Jones, of Bartholomew County, advocated the following plan: 

 First year clover, second corn, third wheat, and fourth clover, etc. By 

 following this rotation good crops would be the result and the soil al- 

 ways in good condition. 



Mr. C. B. Benjamin, J. J. W. Billingsley and O. A. Vomers wore ap- 

 pointed as a Committee on Resolutions. They submitted the following 

 resolutions: 



"Whereas, The very unexpected and lamented death of H. F. Mc- 

 Mahan, the President of this Association, has removed from our midst an 

 active worker, one who had more to do, probably, in the organization of 

 this Association, and did more than any one else in advancing the work 

 of corn improvement in this State; therefore, 



"Resolved, That we unitedly express our respect and appreciation of 

 the valuable service which he rendered in the work of this Association; 



"Further, resolved. That his many virtues and nobleness of charac- 

 ter should be emulated by f^ll, in that his life work was helpful to all 

 with whom he labored. There was so much in his home and social rela- 

 tions — so much in his public spirit and activity, a man so true to his 

 word and best impulses, that we are glad to point to him as a splendid 

 example of that high type of manhood that should ever challenge our 

 admiration; 



"Further, resolved. That the foregoing statement and resolution be 

 made a part of the records of this Association, and that we teitder to 

 his family our heartfelt sympathy for the loss of one so beloved; and 

 that the Secretary of this Association cause a copy of these resolutions 

 to be presented to the family." 



After the reading and adoption of the resolutions a few minutes was 

 given for expressions of remembrance of the late President. The follow- 

 ipg members spoke a few words of commendation: 



