FARMER'S ASSISTANT. 179 



the roots extend into the ground thus mellowed, that part 

 nly into which they have not yet extended can, with any 

 benefit to the roots, receive any further mellowing from 

 the plough. 



It is essential to have this plant started well ; because, 

 if it get stunted at thb outset by cold rains, it seldom gets 

 the better of this during its whole growth, particularly if the 

 soil be not perfectly suitable to it. To prevent this, it is ad- 

 visable to apply some stimulants to the plants at that time ; 

 and the best for this purpose are bogdirt, marie (dug out of 

 bogswamps) ashes, and gypsum. The latter ought, however, 

 to be prefered on all soils to which it is suitable, because it 

 is cheap and easily applied. 



Where a soil is wetish, it ought, after being well mel- 

 lowed, to be thrown up into ridges, by having two furrows 

 thrown up against each other, at proper distances, and on 

 the top of these ridges let the seeds be planted, the Plant- 

 ers carrying their rows crossways of the ridges. 



Where furrows are made for planting, they ought to 

 be shallow, not more than half the depth of common 

 ploughing. It would be as well to have no furrow at all, 

 but merely to harrow the ground smooth before planting, 

 and then to plant in rows, by a line or mark drawn along 

 the ground by hand, with an instrument made for the pur- 

 pose. A more complete method, however, is to drill in 

 the seed, by a light drill-plough that may be easily made 

 for the purpose. One of this description may be drawn by 

 hand ; and may be so contrived as to make a small furrow 

 about two inches deep, drop the seeds at proper distances 

 into the furrow, and cover the seeds, all in one operation. 

 These methods, however, are for ground that is clear of 

 stones. 



If this crop be harvested too early, it will lose much by* 

 shrinking. It is also found, by experiments, that where it 

 is toped at the usual time the crop will be considerably 

 less, than if it stand without toping. If, therefore, it be 

 toped at all, it ought not to be done before the grains have 

 hardened. It is believed that the best plan is to cut up the 

 stalks by the roots, some days after the usual time for top- 

 ing, and set it up in shocks to harden. 



In this mode, the ears derive the same nourishment from 

 the stalk which they do when it is left standing. A large 

 additional quantity of valuable fodder is thus saved; while 

 at the same time the ground is cleared of its incumbrance, 

 so as to be ready for sowing a crop of wheat the same Fall. 

 The additional labor of husking out the corn in this manner 

 is very trifling. The shocks are to be of such size as can 

 be conveniently tied together at the top, by bands of straw 5 

 in such manner as too keep out the raio. 



