WKKDS OF AGRICULTURE. 337 



this ruinous result, he therefore takes care that the loose 

 surface be well consolidated (if rain does not fall to do this), 

 either by a heavy roller, or, what is better, treading it firmly 

 down with sheep, till the whole surface is as compact as a 

 foot-path. 



When wheat is laid in, as it should be, rather heavy, there 

 may be no necessity for either rolling or treading; neither 

 need fears be entertained, that seed weeds will rise plenti- 

 fully in the following summer : but if laid in a loose pul- 

 verized surface, the poppy and charlock will certainly pre- 

 vail, even if no such weeds have been seen in the same field 

 for years before. 



Almost all other kinds of corn affect a well-compacted 

 surface ; and the business of rolling has other advantages 

 besides obtaining a smooth surface for facilitating the action 

 of the scythe. 



