154 . THE WHEAT CULTURIST. 



crop growing on it, and another be summer-fallowed, the 

 latter will be quite moist in hot weather, while the for- 

 mer feels dry to the touch. Consequently, the moisture, 

 heat, and frequent stirring greatly facilitate the de- 

 composition of such portions as contain mineral sub- 

 stances that enter largely into the composition of grain 

 or grass. By this means, plant-food accumulates much 

 faster than if the soil were shaded by a growing crop. 

 Soda, lime, magnesia, potash, and silica, which are essen- 

 tial to produce a good crop of wheat, are rendered avail- 

 able to plants in greater abundance b}- summer fallow- 

 ing. We know this is so from the fact that a summer 

 fallow always produces a larger crop of grain. This is 

 the result of summer fallowing for a few successive 

 years. But, after three or four years have passed by, 

 there will be a reaction. Summer fallowing will fail in 

 its efficacy. This fact teaches us, that the fertility of 

 the soil cannot be maintained long by naked fallows. 

 It is better for all soils to be shaded. Their fertility can 

 be maintained longer and at less expense by growing 

 some kind of crops which shall be worked into manure, 

 than by cultivating a naked fallow. See second volume 

 of my Young Farmer's Manual. 



Winter Fallowing for Wheat. 



A practical wheat-grower wrote to the " Country 

 Gentleman," that in America the climate is particu- 

 larly well adapted for the making of good winter 

 fallows. In fact, winter fallows may be made more 

 serviceable than summer ones are in England ; for, by 

 commencing as soon as the crop is off, there are three 

 months of better weather for killing weeds and sunning 



