CAMPBELL'S SOIL CULTURE MANUAL 83 



of the sun, and in most localities the high spring winds 

 take up much moisture. Second, is to loosen the surface 

 that it may more readily and more surely take in all the 

 water from the spring rains. Third, but by no means 

 least, to admit the warm spring air that nature's labora- 

 tory may be put early to work preparing the way for large 

 quantities of available fertility or plant elements. Plow 

 late in June or early July, seven to eight inches deep. Do 

 not leave the field at noon until that which has been 

 plowed during the forenoon has been gone over with the 

 sub-surface packer. Then at night the same, and if you 

 use the packer follow it with some kind of a harrow or 

 cultivator that will leave the surface witti a light loose 

 mulch, breaking the larger clods and leveling, so far as it 

 may be possible, the top of the firm soil beneath. 



The common lever harrow produces very fair condi- 

 tions. There are, however, three or four much improved 

 devices for this work being perfected, which will doubtless 

 be found on the market very soon. 



KEEP AHEAD OF THE WEEDS. 



In June and July weeds are quite persistent and great 

 care should be taken not to let them get the start. In 

 fact there is but little danger of weeds if you take care 

 to lose no water by evaporation. All weeds are easily 

 killed when small, but after the tap root has gone down 

 and become firmly imbedded, it is not easy to destroy 

 them. Watch the condition of your field, going over it 

 as soon after a heavy rain as the soil will permit, using 

 the tool . which you use to keep your mulch open 

 and loose; care should be taken to keep the mulch from 

 two and a-half to three inches deep. Remember, it is 

 not desirable to have this mulch too fine, and never a dust 

 blanket. It will be found very much easier to secure a 



