PLANTING. 89 
or four stalks in the hill covers the ground thoroughly, 
smothering, to a certain degree, weeds in the latter part of 
the season, and yielding maximum crops of grain and fodder. 
On some soils, with plenty of manure, 30 inches have given 
the best results, but not so invariably as 33 inches. At the 
latter distance the ears will be as sound and well developed - 
as at a greater, but not so long; at the same time there will 
be a larger number, making the yield the same. The fodder 
is much superior to that grown at greater distance, stock 
consuming it with little waste, as it is fully developed and if 
cut at the proper time and properly cured makes superior 
feed for cows.” 
This probably apphes to flint corn. For the 
large western dent corn this distance is too 
close. 
If corn is to be planted in hills, in the North 
as a rule 36x42 inches will prove satisfactory 
for the large varieties; and if in drills, one 
kernel every foot in drills 42 inches apart. In 
the South these distances may be increased to 
suit conditions. | 
Drills vs. hills — Experimental work thus far 
conducted indicates that it makes but little 
difference, so far as yield is concerned, whether 
corn is grown in drills or in hills. Cleaner cul- 
tivation can be maintained with the hill sys- 
tem, as the soil may be stirred on all sides of 
the group of plants. A field of drilled corn, 
however, by going up and down between the 
rows, can be kept creditably free of weeds and 
may require less labor in hoeing than will that 
planted in hills. In New England and the 
