84 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



The richest soil, by common observation, is found to be, in 

 general, near the surface. 



The corn-plant secures its growth during the first portion 

 of the season ; the latter portion of the season being utilized 

 in the maturation of the crop. It is during the growing- 

 season that we must influence the crop through the condi- 

 tions that we can control. Possessing these facts, we would 

 infer that the seed-bed should be so prepared as to secure 

 the maximum fertility, moisture, and temperature in con- 

 junction. This, practice confirms. Hence we advocate 

 shallow ploughing for the seed-bed, as leaving the most fer- 

 tile portions near the surface, where the rains penetrate, and 

 where the sun exerts the greatest power. The depth of 

 ploughing may vary, perhaps, with climate ; but in this lati- 

 tude five inches seems amply sufficient. 



A deep soil, and a permeable soil, is always desirable in 

 order to extend the root-pasturage, and to secure to the plant 

 greater resources against sudden or long-continued climatic 

 changes. This can be secured by subsoiling, but more prof- 

 itably by deep ploughing during the rotation preceding the 

 corn-crop, under those limitations which are now generally 

 understood as arising from the character of the subsoil. 



HARROWING. 



After the plough comes the harrow in order to smooth 

 and pulverize the soil. Harrowing should be thorough, as 

 stirring the soil is advantageous in opening it to atmospheric 

 changes, and as affording the mechanical conditions favorable 

 to the depositing of the seed. Pulverized soil also dries more 

 quickly, and thus secures an advantage for the seed during 

 the early season, when soil-moisture is so apt to be in excess : 

 it also acts as a mulch to conserve the moisture in the lower 

 strata that is so much needed a little later. Harrowing 

 should follow the ploughing, precede the application of 

 manure or fertilizer, and follow the application of the fertiliz- 

 ing elements. 



FERTILIZING. 



From what we have already said, it will be seen that we 

 advocate placing our fertilizing material as near the surface 

 as can conveniently be done. If dung be used, in good 



