272 THE WHEAT CULTUEIST. 



of late seeding have tested the result of seeding earlier. 

 As their land produced a bountiful crop, they conclude 

 that the yield is heavier than it would have been if the 

 seed had been sowed at a former period. The proof of 

 the pudding is in eating it ; and not in chewing the string 

 of the pudding bag. 



EAELY vs. LATE SEEDING IN MASSACHUSETTS. 



An experienced wheat-grower in Massachusetts writes : 

 " I never had any luck in late sowing spring wheat, nor 

 did I ever see a good piece, sown as late as the 25th of 

 May. Last year was an exception to late sown grain, 

 which we seldom have. The drought injured early sown 

 grain full as much, if not more, than late sown in this 

 section. Even our late planted corn was a larger growth, 

 and was perfectly sound. Late sown wheat in ordinary 

 seasons, will not be as plump as that sown early. The 

 straw is more apt to be weak and to crinkle down by 

 the late rains, and will turn black, and is more likely to 

 rust, There is more risk in harvesting, to get it in a 

 good condition for the mow. Not so with early sown. 

 The kernel is plump, the head well filled, the straw 

 bright and stiff ; and the grain will thrash a great deal 

 easier ; and you will have more bushels from a given 

 quantity of ground. The earlier it is sown, if the 

 ground is dry and the weather suitable, the better. I 

 had rather my wheat would be sown the 25th of March 

 if it could be got in as early, than to be put oft' till the 

 25th of May. We have had a heavy freeze on early sown 

 wheat, and no detriment at all. The 25th of April, 

 and from that to the 5th of May, is, in my opinion, the 

 best time to sow spring wheat." 



