43 THE FARMER'S AND 



of manure, while small grain is frequently injured by it, 

 as it causes the straw to grow too luxuriant and soft to 

 sustain and mature the ear. To obtain the greatest ben- 

 efit from manure, it should be thoroughly incorporated 

 with the earth near the surface. But if it is applied in 

 a coarse and un fermented state, it may be covered deeper 

 without sustaining loss, as the gas which is generated by 

 the decomposition of the manure rises and is absorbed by 

 the earth above. 



Another mode of improving the farm consists in mix- 

 ing in due proportion the various soils where nature has 

 not done it. A soil consisting of so large a proportion of 

 clay as to lack a proper degree of friability, may be 

 rendered very productive by the application of sand ; 

 and vice versa, sand will become a profitable soil by the 

 admixture of clay. In many sections where sand pre- 

 dominates, beds of clay marl abound, which may be in- 

 corporated with sand to great advantage. 



Another method of improving the farm consists in 

 gradually deepening the soil by deep ploughing, which 

 enables the growing crops to withstand wet better, for the 

 water will sooner settle away. It also enables vegetation 

 better to withstand drought, as the roots strike deeper and 

 derive moisture from a greater depth than they could 

 with friable soil of less depth. For the purpose of giv- 

 ing greater depth and friability to the soil, the subsoil 

 plough is well adapted, arid we think will soon come 

 into general use. 



FOURTHLY Cultivation of various kinds of crop*. 



The best preparation for Indian corn and potatoes is a 

 clover ley, made rich by manure. If the manure is 

 long and unfermented, spread it on the furrow after the 

 land has been ploughed, and incorporate it in the earth 



