82 THE CEREALS IN AMERICA 



preparation of the seed bed, the liability to injury from the 

 Hessian fly, and perhaps slightly upon variety. 



It is possible to sow later as we go south, and necessary to 

 sow earlier as we go north. When sown too late, the wheat 

 has not sufficient vitality to stand the cold weather. When 

 sown too early, its growth is so rank and succulent as to be 

 injured by freezing. Experiments indicate the best average 

 time of seeding in Ohio, Indiana and Illinois on the fortieth 

 parallel to be about two wrecks earlier than in Tennessee upon 

 the thirty-sixth parallel ; while the results at Columbus, Ohio, on 

 the fortieth parallel and Wooster on the forty-first parallel 

 indicate a difference of about one week. Doubtless differences 

 in the fertility of the soil as well as temperature and rainfall 

 have affected the results. 



In some localities, early sown wheat is subject to attack from 

 the Hessian fly. When such attacks are imminent, they may 

 be avoided, by concerted action among the farmers of 'a 

 neighborhood, by later sowing, especially if delayed until 

 there is a killing frost, and also by sowing early some strips of 

 wheat where the Hessian flies will congregate, and may be 

 destroyed by plowing under the wheat. Generally speaking, 

 delay until killing frosts occur is too late for the best growth 

 of wheat in the fall, except on fertile soils. Where it is neces- 

 sary, therefore, to delay the seeding of wheat to escape the 

 ravages of the Hessian fly, the seed bed should be put in the 

 best possible condition both as to fertility and physical prop- 

 erties. 



The results of the various stations show clearly that there is 

 no best time for any given locality. Some seasons quite 

 early sowing gave the largest yield, while other seasons late 

 seeding gave the best results. Very much depends upon the 

 season prior to and after seeding. It may be said as a 

 general rule, akhough late sowing is often as good as early 

 sowing, it is seldom better, while early sowing is often better 

 than late sowing. The more fertile the soil, the later the 



