GRAIN AND ITS riTLTIVATIOX. 115 



Wheat and nearly all seeds are tbund to be more productive 

 when taken from a soil interior to the one intended for sow- 

 ing; and it is claimed that what is produced both in a warmer 

 and colder climate will mature earlier. It is not essential 

 that the fullest, heaviest grain be sown. Sprengel affirms 

 that seed somewhat shrunken is more certain to give a good 

 yield than the choicest seed ; and numerous trials would 

 seem to favor this conclusion. The grain designed for seed 

 should be well ripened before harvesting. From the ever 

 varying character of the different kinds of seed, their superi- 

 ority at one time and on one locality, and their inferiority at 

 other times and in other situations, it seems almost superflu- 

 ous to give a particular enumeration of the present most pop- 

 ular kinds. A brief mention of such only as stand high in 

 public favor in this country, with some of their most striking 

 peculiarities, is all that our limits will admit. 



The improved flint is extensively cultivated in the fine 

 wheat growing country of western New- York; where it was 

 introduced in 1822. It is hardy and withstands the winters 

 remarkably well. A striking improvement in the strength of 

 its straw has been observed, which at first inclined to lodge, 

 but it is now erect and firm till fully ripened. The head-? 

 are also fuller and longer than when first introduced ; the 

 berry is plump and white, yielding a large proportion of choice 

 flour ; and it is retained in the head with great tenacity which 

 is a decided advantage for econamy in harvesting, where 

 threshing machines are substituted for the flail. 



The old Genesee red chaff is a bald white wheat, first cul- 

 tivated in the same region in 1798 ; and for a long time it 

 was the decided favorite. Since 1820 however, it has been 

 very subject to rust and blast, but. when circumstances are 

 favorable it is still found to be highly productive. Its trans- 

 fer to other localities, may therefore be attended with great 

 success. 



The white May of Virginia was a choice variety and exten- 

 sively raised in the neighborhood of the Chesapeake bay in 

 1800, but is now nearly extinct there. It has been cultivated 

 in New- York for 10 years, is a good bearer, very heavy ; 

 \veighing frequently 66 Ibs, per bushel, and ripens early, by 

 which it escapes rust. 



The Wheatland red is a new variety discovered and propa- 

 gated by Gen. Harmon of Monroe co., N. Y., by whom it is 

 held in high estimation. It produces well and ripens early. 



