164 PRACTICAL CORN CULTURE 



rowed and disced just before planting, in that way will kill all weeds 

 that have started and this gives the corn an even start with the weeds. 



I use a check-rower planter fitted with furrow openers. These 

 throw out a furrow in which the corn is planted. The use of the 

 furrow openers insures an even depth of planting, kills all weed 

 sprouts in the row and makes it possible to harrow the corn twice after 

 it is up without doing it any injury. 



As soon as the corn is tall enough to plow I start plowing and try 

 to plow after every rain if possible to prevent the loss of moisture. 

 I use six and eight-shovel cultivators in preference to the four shovels. 



I generally plow my corn about four times. I believe that a one- 

 horse harrow plow run between the rows after it is too large to straddle 

 would increase the yield from three to ten bushels. 

 Very truly yours, 



S. W. McPHEBSON. 



Minier, Illinois, April 12th, 1913. 

 Mr. W. T. Ainsworth, Mason City, Illinois. 



Dear Sir: A few lines in regard to the preparation of the seed 

 bed for corn. 



Our soil is black and heavy, practically level, although rolling 

 enough for good drainage. Our stalk ground is practically all plowed 

 in the spring, once in a while we plow some in the fall, if circum- 

 stances allow it. We would prefer fall plowing, and think it by far 

 the best, on an average, for either land or yield. 



We prefer deep plowing, especially in the fall; seven or eight inches 

 on old ground, once in a while, is not too deep. Five inches in sod 

 is deep enough. 



We have discarded altogether the raking and V.irmng of stalks. 

 We always double disc them with a good sharp di^-c. 



After plowing we aim to make a dust mulch as much as possible 

 by discing, spading and harrowing, also a roller or en sher is very good. 

 In order to get this mulch we begin harrowing rigat after the plow, 

 which we find gives the best results. After we have a good seed bed, 

 the planter follows and is checked three by six inches, or three by 

 four inches, except what we put up for ensilage, which is drilled thick, 

 so as to make good ensilage, as the lighter the stalk the better ensilage. 



After the corn is planted three or four days, or later, it is har- 

 rowed. Corn may be harrowed after it is up, provided the ground is 



