72 



AGRICULTURAL TEXT-BOOK. 



deeper than in wet adhesive clays; and where clods are numer 

 ous more seed is requisite than where the earth is in fine tilth. 

 The following table is given on the authority of M. Moreau, of 

 Paris. He formed thirteen beds in which lie planted one hun 

 dred and fifty kernels of wheat at various depths : 



At Depth of 



Come up. 



No. of Heads. 



No. of Grains. 



From these experiments it would appear that the grain should 

 not be sown at much greater depth than two inches, nor nearer 

 the surface than one inch. The soil is not stated. 



193. Wheat a year old is considered to be better for sowing 

 in the Fall than new wheat. New wheat germinates quicker, 

 but is more easily affected by bad weather and insects, and gen 

 erally the stalks are neither as numerous nor as strong. 



194. Wheat is frequently steeped or pickled (a,) to act as a 

 manure ; (b,) to destroy the sporules or seeds of smut. Various 

 substances are used, as (c,) salt and water; (d,) green vitriol, 

 (sulphate of iron,) (e,) stale urine ; f/J arsenic, &c. Arsenic, 

 however, has been proved to be decidedly dangerous to the 

 sower, and the use of it is forbidden by the French government. 

 Various modes of steeping, according to convenience, are used ; 

 and the seed is dried with wood ashes, plaster, slacked lime, 

 powdered clay, &c. 



