CORN 



121 



to take up. The ground should not be plowed when 

 the soil is very wet, for it stays in hard lumps and is 

 not easily broken up so the roots can reach into the 

 earth. 



How to Keep the Ground Moist. The plow is fol- 

 lowed by a disk or spring-tooth harrow (Fig. 66) 

 until all clods are broken and the surface is mellow 

 and fine like ashes. This ashy top soil acts like a 

 blanket to keep the moisture in the ground from 

 escaping. 



Planting the Crop. Field corn should be planted 

 in rows about three and one-half feet apart. Years 

 ago a few grains of seed were dropped into each 

 hill by hand and covered with a hoe, but to-day the 

 farmer uses a checkrow planter drawn by a team. 



Fi(i. I).). Mdiiurc .should be spread evenly. 



This machine plants the corn so it can be cultivated 

 both ways and be kept clean more easily. 



