ARID AGRICULTURE. 59 



set six inches apart. The object is to pack the 

 lower half of the plowed area and leave the sur- 

 face loose. This implement is of value on many 

 soils. Its use has not always given valuable re- 

 sults on our more arid soils. There is little ad- 

 vantage to be gained by the use of the subsurface 

 packer over much of the arid region unless it is 

 on spring plowing of sandy soils, because the 

 soil and subsoil is not such that the compacted 

 area either attracts or saves additional mois- 

 ture, and the ground becomes sufficiently dense 

 for the roots of crops without the additional 

 work. Pacl-inr/ is often of great value. Many 

 have observed instances of winter grain in the 

 packed area left by wagon or drill wheels passing 

 over it, living, where adjoining grain was killed 

 out. Generally spring grains produce better 

 iiTu\vth and crops where some wheel has pressed 

 the soil together. 



We believe that packing is always advisable 

 around the newly planted seed and recommend 

 almost with no exception tlie use of some form of 

 press drill. The subsurface packer is better 

 than either the smooth roller, or corrugated 

 roller, unless it is desirable to lose moisture in- 

 stead of save it, or warming the soil for a time 

 is the end sought. Where the packer is used, 

 the soil should be harrowed immediately after- 

 ward to establish the earth mulch. 



