132 



WHEAT 



Several hydrids have thus been produced and 

 fixed in type, which appear to give the desired 

 results. Improved seed of these varieties is now 

 being distributed to the farmers. Wheat improve- 

 ment is also being brought about by the farmers 

 through selection and grading of seed wheat. 



FARMING PRACTICE AND PROFITS 



The farming practice in use on the Pacific coast 

 wheat farms, while not as thorough as it might 

 be, is modern. Large machinery is used in tilling 

 the soil. Engine plows are common. The harvest- 

 ing is done with the combination harvester and 

 thresher, which is propelled usually by thirty-two 

 horses or by a traction engine. Binders are 

 seldom used. The fertile soil producing large 

 yields and the cheap and extensive methods of 

 culture have made Pacific coast wheat farming 

 very profitable. The cost of raising and market- 



Fig. 31. Large machinery is used in tilling the soil. 



