FARM CROPS. 



139 



the soil, if the straw is not returned to the land, than 

 the production of a short-stalked sort under the same 

 conditions. 



The Leaves. The leaves of the wheat plant re- 

 quire no more detailed description as to their struc- 

 ture, than has already been given to oats. This same 

 general description applies also to the structure of the 

 leaves of both rye and barley. Aside from their dif- 

 ference in shade of color, their greater width, and a 

 common production of more hair on their upper sur- 

 faces-, the leaves of the wheat plant are not at all un- 

 like those of the oat plant. 



The Head (spike). Although the resemblance be- 

 tween the oat and the wheat plant may be considerable 



TYPICAL HEADS OF BEARDLESS WHEAT. 



