222 THE WHEAT INDUSTRY 



of the United States. The rainfall is low, varying 

 from 10 to 20 inches per annum. In some cases 

 irrigation is practiced and dry farming methods 

 are also employed. The largest yields in any part 

 of Argentina have been reported from the territory 

 of Chubut, 700 miles south of Buenos Aires. The 

 wheats grown there are of the same varieties as 

 those grown farther north, but because of the 

 coolness of the climate and the moderate rainfall, 

 the yields are higher and the qualities are better. 

 It is also true that the farther from the equator 

 wheat is grown the more quickly does it mature. 

 This is due to the fact that it has longer intervals 

 of sunlight just when light has the most effective 

 influence. Barletta wheat grown in Chubut some- 

 times weighs sixty-six pounds to the bushel. The 

 development of this area has been slow. This is 

 because there is a large area to the north which has 

 seemed more attractive because of being nearer 

 the export centers and well served by railroads. 



The Methods of Cultivation.- -Plowing.- The 

 plowing is done with riding and walking plows 

 which are very similar to those used in the United 

 States. In much of the country single walking 

 plows drawn by oxen are used. Usually from two 

 to two and one half acres are plowed per day. 

 The work is done in this leisurely way because the 

 land can be plowed at almost any time during the 

 year. Experience has shown that, after the first 



