CHAP. II.] RUTA BAGA CULTURE. 133 



such as the hole is made, such it, in a great 

 measure, remains, and the roots are cooped up in 

 this sort of well, instead of having a free course left 

 them to seek their food on every side. Besides 

 this, tne fibres get, from being wet when planted, 

 into a small compass. They all cling about 

 the tap root, and are stuck on to it by the wet 

 dirt; in which state, if a hot sun follow, they 

 are all baked together in a, lump, and cannot 

 stir. On >the contrary, when put into ground 

 unwet, the reverse of all this takes place ; and 

 the fresh earth will, under any sun, supply 

 moisture in quantity sufficient. 



81. Yet, in July and August, both in Eng 

 land and America, how many thousands and 

 thousands are ivaiting for a shower to put out 

 their plants ! And then, when the long-wished- 

 for shower comes, they must plant upon stale 

 ground, for they have it dug ready, as it were, 

 for the purpose of keeping them company in 

 waiting for the shower. Thus all the fermen 

 tations, which took place upon the digging, is 

 gone ; and, when the planting has once taken 

 place, farewell to the spade ! For, it appears to 

 be a privilege of the Indian corn to receive 

 something like good usage after being planted. 

 It is very strange that it should have been thus, 

 for what reason is there for other plants not en 

 joying a similar benefit ? The reason is, that 

 they will produce something without it ; and 



