DIRECT SOWING. 69 



e. Sowing on Ridges and Mounds. 



This method is the reverse of the one described under 

 d. It is advisable in the case of wet or heavy soil, the 

 object being to raise the seed-bed above the water-level, 

 and to expose the soil to a more complete action of the 

 air. Mounds are interrupted ridges, just as patches are 

 interrupted strips. The ridges or mounds are formed, 

 either by drawing together the surface soil, or better by 

 excavations. In the case of ridges, the ditches run 

 along either one or both sides ; in the case of mounds 

 the earth may be taken from an excavation on one side, 

 or from a trench surrounding the mound. 



Where a moderate elevation suffices, parallel ditches 

 may be dug and the excavated earth spread evenly over 

 the intermediate spaces, thus forming elevated platforms, 

 on which the seed is sown. See Fig. 15, on page 30. 



The seed should be sown densely and not too early in 

 spring, so as to allow a portion of the moisture to 

 evaporate before sowing. The tools used are the same 

 as for trench or pit sowings. 



The method is expensive, and only indicated in excep- 

 tionally unfavourable localities. 



/. Combinations. 



It happens not unfrequently, that two or more of the 

 different methods are combined in the same locality. 

 Such combinations are indicated when the character 

 of the locality changes from place to place ; if, for 

 instance, dry spots alternate with swampy ground, the 

 former may be sown on the natural level or in ditches, 



