AGRICULTURAL TEXT-BOOK. 127 



must be when every farmer owns a thermometer and knows how to use 

 it.&quot; (J.S. Gould.) 



An experiment was made in Connecticut in 1844 to plant corn three 

 inches deep. It came up and grew well until it was three or four inches 

 high, and then stopped for a fortnight, while the same corn planted at a 

 less depth grew rapidly. On examination it was found that a joint had 

 been formed about nn inch and half above the kernel, and that the roots 

 had sprouted out from the joint leaving all below to perish. While the 

 process of changing roots was going on the plant ceased to grow above 

 ground, but in about a fortnight recovered its vigor; and it was about 

 that length of time later in maturing the grain, than theseeds which were 

 planted shallower. 



296. The following table will show the quantity of seed, re 

 quired, on an average, to plant an acre in hills. 



Distances of the Quantity required Quantity required 



hills apart. 4 grains to a hill. 5 grains to fi hill. 



QUARTS. QUARTS. 



3 feet by 2 feet, 14.52 18.15 



3 &quot; by 3 &quot; - 9.68 12.10 

 3i &quot; by 3 &quot; 8.30 10.37 

 3 &quot; by3J &quot; - 7.11 8.89 



4 by 3 &quot; 7.26 9.08 

 4 &quot; by 3| &quot; - 6.22 7.78 

 4 by 4 &quot; 5.44 6.80 



297. The culture of the corn after it is above ground varies 

 much. While some put a small quantity of ashes and plaster 

 in the hill at planting, others wait until the corn is a few inches 

 high. It will only be necessary shortly to state the various pro 

 cesses which are then pursued ; (a,) hoe, plow both ways, throw 

 ing the earth into hills round the corn, hoe and plow again ; (b,) 

 hoe and plow, as above, but keep the earth level, and not raised, 

 around the roots ; ( cj hoe, but avoid plowing or hilling, cutting 

 up the weeds, and rendering the surface friable with the cultiva 

 tor. It is quite necessary that weeds should not be allowed to 

 grow, and that the earth should be frequently stirred; but 

 whether deep plowing, or the use of the hoe and cultivator 

 alone are best is a disputed point ; and probably depends on the 

 nature and richness of the soil. 



