368 THE CEREALS IN AMERICA 



of irrigatier in the South Atlantic States is somewhat different 

 and is about as follows : As soon as the seed is sown water is 

 let on for four to six days until the grain has sprouted and then 

 withdrawn. This is called "sprout water." After the rice has 

 two leaves, enough water is put on to completely cover the 

 plant, then lowered to about six inches, where it is held for 

 twenty or thirty days, after which it is removed and the field 

 allowed to dry. This is called "stretch w^ater" or "long point 

 flow." The field now remains without irrigation until the plant 

 begins to throw up its culms, the land in the meantime being 

 cultivated two or three times. Water is then turned on and 

 remains on continuously, although changed every week to avoid 

 becoming stagnant, until it is removed for har\'est. This last 

 irrigation is known as the " har^^est water " or " lay by flow." 



516. Drainage. — The drainage is effected chiefly through 

 open ditches, generally rather shallow, but the main ditches 

 should be three feet deep in order to remove more effectively 

 the alkali, which in rice lands, as elsewhere where irrigation i > 

 practiced, is apt to become troublesome. Rice is rather resistant 

 to alkali, however, so much so that it is sometimes employed 

 for the purpose of helping to rid the land of alkali for other 

 crops. Tile drainage is the most effective method of removinjj 

 the alkali, but is usually not resorted to on account of the 

 expense and in some cases would not be feasible on account oE 

 filling with sediment. 



517. Cultivation. — Where the rice has been sown broadcast 

 or by means of a grain drill, no cultivation is practicable. This 

 worst weeds, however, are often removed by passing through 

 the field and pulling by hand. In the South Atlantic States, 

 however, the land is cultivated by hoeing lightly, or, more 

 rarely, by using a one-horse culti\-ator. This is usually done 

 before the plants begin to joint, the water having been removed 

 and the land allowed to dry for this purpose. (515) 



