Progressive Agriculture 49 



tical; therefore, we must resort to such imple- 

 ments as are commonly used. One point fully 

 established, however, is that it is necessary to 

 split the ridge a little earlier in the game than has 

 been done heretofore. See Cut No. 20 and ob- 

 serve the modest root growth from the smaller 

 plant, then note the root growth from the larger 

 one. In the latter you see that the roots have 

 gone up near the surface of the solid soil in the 

 firm center ridge. This condition is especially 

 true if there have been no heavy rains to pack 

 the loose dirt thrown up over the center at the 

 time of listing. 



This somewhat loose condition of this top soil 

 or mulch holds the moisture with the natural 

 result that this firm soil, by being kept moist and 

 becoming quite warm, because of the direct 

 rays of the sun on both sides, soon becomes a most 

 ideal feeding place for the roots, therefore, when 

 they reach this point they spread and grow rapidly; 

 millions of little feeders permeate this ridge, and at 

 this precise stage of root development the plants 

 may be seen to be putting forth a very rank, 

 rapid, healthy growth: more especially you will 

 note the dark green color. 



The corn at this stage is usually 12 to 20 inches 

 high then you proceed to split the ridge with 

 the result of destroying a very large per cent of 

 the principal feeding roots, and what happens? 

 If the weather should be hot and dry, the corn 

 is seen to wilt more or less and the growth is 

 checked. This set-back if dry weather continues 

 may mean much to the final crop. If, however, 



