152 COTTON 



the weeder. It runs shallow; its many teeth des- 

 troy or cover all weeds; it thins the cotton; its 

 complete soil-stirring makes a fairly effective 

 mulch. You can use the weeder two or three 

 times in cultivating the cotton crop, and if you do 

 not have it, then use the smoothing harrow. 



We have many kinds of cultivators : some single, 

 others double; some are shallow-goers while others 

 creep along the surface slightly deeper. All of our 

 improved cultivators are good. Do not hesitate in 

 securing such as are needed, for they will quickly 

 repay their cost in increased returns. 



And finally, the hoe : is it needed ? 



Once it was thought that every gentleman 

 needed a sword, then a pistol. We may have use 

 even today for the pistol and sword, but not for 

 every -day clothes. So we have use for the hoe in 

 cotton culture, but not until after the weeder and 

 fine-tooth harrow have done their work. In some 

 fields, some seasons, the hoe may be needed until 

 the perfect planter comes; until cultural methods 

 are more studied; then the hoe may go, with 

 knighthood and chivalry, and be one of the things 

 of memory. 



