FARM CROPS. 137 



of wheat are of a more prolonged period of growth 

 than is generally required for oats. 



In height, the wheat plant is from two to five feet, 

 the shorter wheat being found among the sub-species 

 known as " club " wheat, and the taller found among 

 the late maturing varieties of the sub-species known as 

 " bread " wheat. 



TYPICAL HEADS OF BEARDED WHEAT. 



Among the varieties of wheat commonly sown there 

 is found much greater diversity of forms and character 

 of plants before they begin to develop a stalk and a 

 seed head than is common among oats. These dif- 

 ferences are shown by the width, length, and number 

 of leaves as well as by the tendency of the plants to 

 grow somewhat erect, or to remain recumbent. As 

 soon as the plant begins to joint (that is, to put forth 

 a seed stalk), the resemblance to oats becomes more 



