BUCKWHEAT. 301 



poorest and worst-conditioned land is usually given this crop. Besides, from the lateness of 

 putting it in, the land becomes grassy, and it cannot be plowed well without the grass mak 

 ing its appearance to the detriment of the crop, with no benefit to the land. Now, instead of 

 this treatment, the buckwheat field, worked after the spring s sowing, affords a chance to im 

 prove the land and insure a good crop decidedly a paying one, if the season is favorable. 

 Buckwheat is somewhat peculiar, as with a favoring season and a heavy growth, the income 

 is sometimes surprising. I have known a single crop pay for the purchase of the land at $40 

 per acre. The laud was plowed early enough to rot the sod, and re-plowed just before sow 

 ing. If put in good condition, it does not need to be very rich. What it needs is ripe and 

 uniform fertility; it does not want wet soil turned up and exposed to the hot sun, as I have 

 often seen, thus injuring rather than benefiting the land. Instead, buckwheat should be 

 made the means (as there is a chance for it) to reclaim or improve the soil. It can be made 

 to equal, if not exceed, the effect of summer fallow, and with less expense the crop so 

 densely shading the ground, and from the start, that not a weed or a grass-blade can survive ; 

 all is smothered by the exclusion of air and light, the ground kept comparatively moist and 

 mellow, and the texture thus improved. The farmer who, therefore, does not avail himself 

 of advantages here offered, misses his opportunity, unless he is among the fortunate ones who 

 have their land all improved. Even then buckwheat is a benfit to the soil, as there is less 

 expense of cultivation, and the weeds are effectually kept at bay. It also adds to the variety 

 of crops. 



The time for sowing buckwheat here is from the 26th of June to the 4th of July. Half 

 a bushel per acre is seed enough, as on rich ground it stools out well. This is better than 

 to have it closer and denser. It should be branching, giving thus more room for blossoms, 

 and affording protection against the direct rays of the sun, the plant thus being in a measure 

 self-protecting, favoring the lower or partially hidden seeds, which sometimes are to be 

 depended upon for the crop, the more exposed or outside being blasted. Instead, therefore, 

 of giving it careless treatment, buckwheat requires careful management. The selection of 

 soil is also of some importance, a sandy loam being better than clay. A stiff clay must be 

 brought into a friable condition before it is fit to grow this crop successfully. Sod or green 

 crops turned under, or coarse manure worked in, rotting and mixing the soil and manure well, 

 will do it. Avoid all wet soil for buckwheat, unless first drained. We have here a real ren 

 ovator of the soil, and get a good crop besides. Sometimes, however, the crop gets blasted. 

 When this is the case, turn it down. Instead of being a misfortune, it will be found to be a 

 benefit, affording a large quantity of good material, decaying readily, and having a good 

 effect upon the soil.&quot; 



It should be thoroughly dried before being put away under cover, as it will be liable to 

 heat; it is, therefore, customary to set it up in the field in small stooks for this purpose. It 

 should always be harvested before a frost, and it is well to thresh it as soon as dry, as this 

 practice obviates the liability of its shelling. 



In localities where both the common and silver-hulled buckwheat are cultivated, it is 

 very difficult to retain the latter seed pure and unmixed, as the buckwheat field is such a 

 favorite pasture with the honey-bees that cross-fertilization with the common variety will 

 constantly occur from the pollen carried by these little workers from one field to another. 



