176 APPENDIX 



follow the plow with a subsurface packer to pack 

 down the furrow slice, using the surface packer 

 after the seeder, principally to pack the soil 

 around the seed. Years ago I used to harrow 

 behind the plow in the spring, and harrow and 

 harrow, and then wonder why the stools would 

 turn yellow and die down in a hot spell in July. 

 It also seemed strange that some of the grain 

 would germinate at once and some come up later 

 after the first rain, resulting in uneven growth. 

 My object now is to sow the seed while the seed 

 bed is moist and cultivate afterward. I know of 

 no better method than that which I have out- 

 lined. At least it has always given good results 

 with me. When I find a better way I will change 

 my system of farming. 



"I have seen men who would go out in the 

 spring and plow after a fall of snow while the snow 

 lay on the ground. After the grain was up I have 

 walked over their fields sinking ankle deep in 

 dry dust. Such crops as these suffer in every dry 

 spell. 



"Many farmers make great blunders in regard 

 to depth of burying their seed. With a seed bed 

 prepared, as I have outlined and on soil such as 

 we have to deal with, I have concluded that one 

 to one and a half inches is the proper depth for 

 wheat on summer fallow as well as on thoroughly 

 prepared new breaking or fall plowing. For spring 

 plowing the best depth is about two inches. The 

 important consideration is the moisture line. 

 Plant the seed just below the moisture line and 

 then pack to insure quick germination. 



