WHEAT IN THE UNITED STATES 257 



fall in the wheat-growing section is from ten to 

 forty inches. As it comes mostly in the winter 

 season, the harvests are fairly free of rain. 



The topography varies from the broad river 

 valleys of California to some very broken lands in 

 Washington. Although the soil is rich in mineral 

 constituents in some places it is somewhat low in 

 humus. 



Methods of Cultivation. - - Because of climatic 

 and soil conditions practically only soft, white 

 wheats are grown. Winter wheats predominate 

 in California and Oregon, and spring wheats in 

 Washington. Club wheats are the most common, 

 and are in favor because of their early maturing 

 and non-shattering characteristics. 



The plowing is much the same as in the plains 

 regions, except that, in California, disc plows 

 pulled by steam engines are used to a considerable 

 extent. The use of these discs is not so common as 

 in past years, since many of the large farms have 

 been subdivided into smaller units. Plowing is 

 done during the autumn, and in California, when- 

 ever weather permits, may be carried late into the 

 winter. The plowing in this region comes in the 

 rainy season. In some parts disc harrows and even 

 steel-tooth harrows are used for preparation of 

 seed bed in lieu of plowing. This of course is a 

 quicker and cheaper method, but it ordinarily 

 results in lower yields. 



