78 AGRICULTURAL ESSAtS. 



in the above experiments, except the last, the grains were plac- 

 ed eight inches from each other ; and in the last, only two, in- 

 stead of four or five, (the usual number) were placed in the 

 same hill. Those who have planted in rows, and separated the 

 grams, as in the two first mentioned experiments, have thought 

 that about one sixth more can be raise<i on an acre, other cir- 

 cumstances being equal. 



Those farmers who may adopt the mode of plantmgin rows, 

 will find their account in using a light drill plough, that may 

 be easily made for the purpose. One of this description may 

 be drawn by hand, and so contrived as to make a small furrow 

 about two inches deep, drop the seed at proper distances into 

 the furrow, and cover the seeds, all in one operation. This 

 method, however, is only practicable on ground entirely clear 

 of stones. When every part of the soil is not sufficiently fertile 

 to secure a crop, the method of placing the manure m the hillv 

 or row, where the grain is deposited, is, doubtless, correct. 



Culture of Oats. 



There is, perhaps, no crop, to the cultivation of which less 

 attention is paid, than to that of oats ; and perhaps the reason 

 which would often be assigned for this negligence, is, that the 

 crop, when raised, is of small comparative value with other 

 crops of grain. But this is believed to be an error. For, 

 where there is any tolerable mode of culture and preparing- 

 the ground, considering the usual market price, the crop ought 

 to be good, to make it an object for the farmer to raise them : 

 and it is a mistaken notion that they will do well with indiffer- 

 ©nt culture. 



To raise a good crop of oats, the ground should be in good 

 heart, and well prepared. Weeds, which are often permitted 

 to grow among this grain, are very prejudicial. 



The culture of oats should be encouraged, where the gene- 

 ral use of horses, and the improvement of their breed, is an ob- 

 ject, as it will always be in the United States. For, oats may 

 be considered their best food, particularly when travelling, as 

 they are of a loosening nature, while most other grains which 

 ve given to them, are binding. 



