AGRICULTURAL TEXT-BOOK. 



231 



is delicate, and at first grows slowly. The ground should be 

 plowed and prepared, as far as possible, in the fall, and the seed 

 sown in spring, as early as the climate will permit : Thaer says, 

 &quot; even before the winter is over, and while the snow remains on 

 the ground,&quot; in Prussia. Manure adds much to the yield, but 

 if dung be used, it ought to be well rotted or composted ; or 

 raw manure may be plowed in, in the fall, and compost dragged 

 in, in the spring previous to sowing. In Scotland, it is applied 

 at the rate of 25 tons to the acre, and placed in the drills imme 

 diately below the seed, (Stephens.) 



50G. The seed should be fresh, for if two years old it fre 

 quently fails. From 3 to 6 Ibs. to the acre are required. As 

 it germinates slowly, at the ordinary spring temperature, the fol 

 lowing process is recommended. Enclose the quantity wanted 

 in a bag, and soak in water for 48 hours and this 8 or 9 days 

 before sowing. After soaking, spread the seed about a foot in 

 thickness on the barn floor, and germination will take place in 

 6 or 7 days. When the seed is observed to be &quot; chipped,&quot; it 

 should be sown, being previously mixed with fine dry sand, to 

 about 4 pecks to the acre, seed and sand together. By drill is 

 the best mode of sowing, the ground being previously rolled, 

 and rendered very smooth; but it may be sown by hand, rows 

 being previously marked out, and the seed covered with a hoe. 

 Broad-casting would require so much expense in weeding, as to 

 be entirely inapplicable. Seed dealers now prepare carrot seed 

 by rubbing oif the hairs or points ; but where this is not done 

 the seed may be separated by mixing intimately with sand or 

 ashes ; or rubbing forcibly between the hands. The seed should 

 be slightly covered. In wet weather, it will penetrate the 

 ground spontaneously. The rows or drills should be about 20 

 inches, and the plante 6 to 8 inches apart, according to the size 

 of the variety. In such roots, nothing is gained by crowding, 

 as much being lost in size, as is gained in number. 



507. When the carrots show themselves, they should be raked, 



