138 RESTORING WORN-OUT SOILS 
soil was thoroughly ditched; then would plow it as early 
in the spring as possible and plant to early peas. The 
crop ought to be ready to remove by June 15. They 
have been removed as early as June Io. 
Immediately after the peas were harvested, he would 
have the ground thoroughly disced and planted to sugar 
corn. This crop should be well cultivated and kept clear 
of weeds. 
If the soil was much worn it is probable you would 
only receive from the crop of peas and sugar corn 
enough money to pay expenses, but you would be well 
started on the road of soil restoration, and that start 
must be made. 
Early in August he would plant in the sugar corn 
either vetch or rye. His preference would be vetch 
always. 
Under no circumstances would he pasture the stalks of 
sweet corn, although they are of great value for this 
purpose, but you must remember that you are engaged 
in the business of soil building, so do not let greed get 
the upper hand. Leave the stalks alone for plowing 
under with the vetch. 
In the spring of next season, about the Ist of May 
he would plow under the vetch and stalks, and about the 
roth of May plant to field corn, giving same thorough 
cultivation, and when same was plowed the last time, 
would sow to rye or vetch. In this case he would as 
soon sow rye as vetch. 
He would not allow the corn or rye to be pastured, 
and the following spring would plow the whole under 
and plant again to field corn. Both these crops of field 
