114 Progressive Agriculture 



moisture just beneath the soil mulch if you 

 cultivate just often enough and at the right time, 

 and if used with persistent, close observation, it 

 will indicate when to cultivate to retain the most 

 moisture. 



It will show how much faster a thick stand of 

 wheat or other small grain will take the moisture 

 than a thinner stand. It will not only show you, 

 but will convince you with ample evidence what 

 the right kind of soil tillage at the right time 

 means to your crops and to your bank account. 



KIND AND SIZE OF AUGER 



There are special soil augers made, but the 

 common wood auger of one and one-fourth inches 

 in diameter with stem lengthened to about five 

 feet long is all that is necessary for practical 

 purposes. Cut off the little screw at the lower 

 end and file or grind off the upper lips and you 

 will find it easier to operate. If you have good 

 soil and plenty of moisture down five feet in any 

 average season, it makes little difference what is 

 below. 



HOW TO BEGIN 



Remove the loose surface soil, and as you begin 

 boring do not crowd the auger. On the contrary 

 hold the auger back so it will cut lightly at each 

 revolution giving you a smooth hole full size, and 

 permitting the auger to be easily pulled out, as 

 you go deeper, without tearing the top. See Cut 

 No. 48. Go about four inches each time or until 

 the pod is full. 



