166 CAMPBELL'S SOIL CULTURE MANUAL 



of roots, which almost invariably is found to run very 

 close to the surface of moisture. The depth of the early 

 cultivation of the corn, providing we have no immediate 

 subsequent rains to moisten the cultivated portion, 

 largely regulates the location of these roots, therefore it 

 is well to go slightly deeper the first time. No. 2 indi- 

 cates the third line of roots, which 'is almost invariably 

 found, although starting from the stalk a little higher, 

 to make its way to a lower point beneath the line from 

 which roots No. 1 seem to feed. These roots although only 

 shown in the illustration as being single roots running 

 to the right and left as we look at the stalk of corn, yet 

 there is an entire circle around the stalk running in every 

 direction, providing the condition of the ground is such 

 as to encourage them. Here one can. readily see the im- 

 portance of cultivating as deep the first time as in any 

 previous cultivation, for these roots find their way out 

 through the soil in the early stages of the growth of the 

 plant. Roots No. 3, which is the second circle of roots, 

 are what are properly known as brace roots. These 

 roots, like the subsequent roots 4, 5, and 6, find their 

 course very largely straight down into the soil. They, 

 however, convey but a small per cent of moisture and 

 plant food to the corn. This being almost entirely the 

 work of the roots shown by 1 and 2. Here in this illus- 

 tration can readily be seen the serious results from deeper 

 subsequent cultivation, which might result in cutting 

 off many roots. We can also see the importance of all 

 work as outlined under the various headings referring to 

 the preparation and care of the soil being carefully 

 carried out. 



RESULT OF GOOD CULTIVATION. 



Here in this illustration is represented corn put ni 



