130 AMERICAN AGRICULTURE. 



years, has been furnished by a Maryland farmer, who used 

 fresh barn-yard manure, with lime. But this is an exception, 

 not a rale ; and it will be found that profitable cultivation 

 requires, that wheat should take its place in a judicious ro- 

 tation. The great proportion of silica in the straw of cerea] 

 grains, (amounting in wheat, barley, oats and rye, to about 

 four fifths of the total of ash from the grain and straw), 

 shows the necessity of having ample provision made for it in 

 the soil, and in a form susceptible of ready assimilation by 

 the plant. This is afforded by ashes, and from the action of 

 lime upon the soil. 



Depth of Soil is indispensable to large Crops. The 

 wheat plant has two sets of roots, the first springing from 

 the seed and penetrating downwards, while the second push 

 themselves laterally, near the surface of the ground, from the 

 first joint. They are thus enabled to extract their food from 

 every part of the soil, and the product will be found to be in 

 the ratio of its extent and fertility. Under-draining and 

 sub-soil plowing contribute greatly to the increase of crops, 

 and it is essential that all surface water be entirely removed. 

 Wheat, on heavy clay lands, is peculiarly liable to winter 

 kill, unless they are well-drained. This is owing to suc- 

 cessive freezing and thawing, by which the roots are broken 

 or thrown out. When this is done to a degree that will 

 materially diminish the crop, the naked spots may be sown 

 with spring wheat. Any considerable portion of the latter, 

 will lessen the value for sale, but it is equally good for do- 

 mestic use. The land should be duly prepared for the recep- 

 tion of the seed, by early and thorough plowing, and harrow- 

 ing, if necessary. 



Selection and preparation of Seed. Many persons se- 

 lect their seed by casting, or throwing the grain to some 

 distance on the floor, using only such as reaches the farthest. 

 This is a summary way of selecting the heaviest, plumpest 

 grain, which if Sprengel's theory be correct, is attended with 

 no advantage, beyond that of separating it from the lighter 

 seeds of chess or weeds. It is certain, that the nitmost 

 care should be taken in removing everything from it but 

 pure wheat, and this should be 'exclusively of the kind re- 

 quired. When wheat is not thoroughly cleaned by casting, 

 a sieve or riddle may be used ; or it should even be picked 

 over by hand, rather than sow anything but the pure seed. 



Previous to sowing, a strong brine ought to be made of 

 salt and water, and in this the grain is to be washed for 



