20 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



Second, Seeds should be planted in depth somewhat in pro- 

 portion to the size of seed itself; that is, the smaller the- 

 seed, the less depth it should be planted : in fact, many of 

 the small seeds germinate better by planting very shallow, 

 and then compacting the surface of the ground with a light 

 roller. 



We then come to the cultivation of the crop, this having 

 been planted properly in straight rows and at a uniform 

 distance apart; and that distance, for most of the field- 

 crops, should be sufficient to admit between the rows a 

 horse and plough, if the seed has been planted on ridges, by 

 wliich a skilful ploughman can with his plough cut away 

 the sides of the ridges, and can kill all the weeds between 

 the rows, and which, after laying a short time, can be turned 

 back, making them complete again ; or, if the seed has been 

 planted on a level surface, he can stir the soil and kill the 

 weeds with a cultivator in the same way. 



I hardly need to say that a thorough working of the soil 

 and a substantial freedom from weeds are now the impor- 

 tant things to be attended to. Working the soil between the 

 rows frequently, oftentimes prevents the injurious effects of 

 a drought, and at the same time destroys the weeds, which 

 would shade and smother the plants, and would also rob the 

 soil of the moisture and nutriment intended for its support. 



Many varieties of plants suffer very much from being 

 overrun with weeds when small : the carrot is one of the 

 varieties which is sometimes almost ruined by not being 

 weeded in season. 



A war of extermination is perfectly justifiable, and is the 

 proper course, with weeds. 



Now, Mr. President, I have discussed this subject in a 

 general way, and, I fear, imperfectly, under the following 

 heads : — 



1st, The selection of the land. 



2d, The adaptation of the same to the crop. 



3d, The preparation of the soil, including the manuring. 



4th, The seed. 



5th, The after-cultivation. 



And I found, when I first examined this subject, that I 

 must take it up somewhat in the order I have named, and 

 give my reasons as I progressed, even at the risk of becom- 



