CAMPBELL'S SOIL CULTURE MANUAL 55 



very much prejudiced in favor of breaking only when 

 the grass was growing the fastest. Other facts and con- 

 ditions have developed to that degree that we have prac- 

 tically lost sight of this idea except in the more humid 

 sections. 



The marvelous and rapid change of the big pastures 

 in the great semi-arid sections of this country into farm- 

 ing sections through Scientific Soil Culture during 1905 

 and 1906 .has brought forth thousands of inquiries as to 

 how these prairies may be opened up and a crop grown 

 the first year. 



Having opened up two farms of this nature in the 

 Panhandle of Texas, and observing many other fields 

 during the above two years, coupled with our early expe- 

 rience with sod breaking in the Dakotas in 1879 to 1889, 

 we find the best plan, if possible to do so, is to break the 

 fall before, 



FALL BREAKING. 



We are assuming that we have what is commonly known 

 as buffalo sod. For best results we would break as early 

 in the fall as it may be consistent, and as to depth of 

 breaking would be governed by the tools we had to operate 

 with and kind of crop we desired to plant. 



If for spring wheat or oats break about three and 

 a half inches deep, using the walking rod breaker, and using 

 the greatest possible care to turn it flat. Follow with a 

 smooth roller if one can be had. In lieu of this, use the 

 sub-surface packer, going twice over the field, then harrow 

 to fill the crevices, and leave until spring. 



As early as conditions will permit, double-disk, set- 

 ting the disk levers as far over as possible, and not turn 



