104 



CULTURE OF THE CEREALS. 



Fig. 26. 



pierced with a hole through which to insert a cross stick 

 horizontally. Two men take five rows, setting the stooking 

 pole on the middle row, and cut up enough for a good 

 sized bundle for each of the four corners made by the 



cross stick as 

 shown in. fig 

 ure 26. The 

 binding and a 

 twist around 

 the top of the 

 four bundles, 



is the work of a moment, when the cross stick is pulled 

 out and the pole drawn along for another stook. 



540. Wheat. There are many varieties of wheat, 

 the differences between them being generally the 

 result of differences of climate, soil and culture ; 

 but those most commonly raised may be distin 

 guished by the general terms of winter and spring 

 wheat. The form of the ear is shown in figure 27. 



541. The root of winter wheat is most admirably 

 fitted to endure the severe colds of a high latitude. 

 The main seminal root is pushed out at the same 

 time with the germ, and nourishes the plant in its 

 early growth. Winter wheat has a larger and 



Fig. 27. pi um p er ear an d a harder and more erect stem 

 than spring wheat. It should be sown early in autumn, 

 in our latitude as early as September. 



542. Wheat requires a stronger and more tenacious soil 

 than Indian corn, and more moisture; but if water is 

 found in excess, the tissues of the plant become soft and 

 watery, nud i! runs to stalk, producing little irniin. Soils 

 of a moderate degree of stillness are best suited to it, but 



