CORN 



123 



Gathering the Crop. When the lo^er leaves on 

 the stalks begin to die, the corn is ready to cut. 



This may be done with a hand cutter or with a corn 

 harvester (Fig. 67). About sixty hills are cut and 

 gathered into one shock. The tops are bound to- 

 gether so the shock will stand while the com cures, 

 which requires about six weeks. When the leaves 

 are dry the husking takes place, and the ears are 

 stored in well-ventilated cribs built high from the 

 ground and protected from the rats and mice. Send to 

 the Do])artmen1 of Agriculture for plans for the crib. 



