THE PRODUCTION OP WHEAT 27 



its range of successful cultivation extending from regions 

 bordering on the tropics such as California and India, 

 almost to the Arctic circle, as in Siberia and Northern 

 Canada. Most countries in which its growth is practised 

 have cold winters and moderate summers. The most 

 noteworthy fact about this aspect of the subject is that 

 the range of successful culture is gradually extending 

 into colder regions, which shows that wheat possesses a 

 certain power of adaptation to its environment. 



A cool, prolonged, but not too wet spring, followed by 

 moderately dry, sunny weather, during ripening, is most 

 favourable to the largest yield of best quality. The 

 most favourable ripening requires a mild temperature 

 with a slightly clouded sky. All these attributes New 

 Zealand possesses in a remarkable degree, and the 

 relation of yield to them will be considered later. 



The rainfall is an important matter wheat being very 

 sensitive to extremes of drought or moisture. The most 

 suitable rainfall ranges between 20 and 30 inches, but 

 good quality wheat can be grown with from 15 to 20 

 inches in quantities up to 20 bushels per acre. These 

 conditions prevail in Australia, but New Zealand here 

 again possesses the necessary attributes almost perfectly. 



(c) Cultural Methods. Too much stress cannot be 

 laid upon the importance of a careful cultivation. Not 

 only does tillage render the seed-bed specially adapted 

 te growth, but by cultivating in the right way at the 

 right time moisture is conserved in the soil and the 

 growth of weeds discouraged. A fine but firm seed-bed 

 is necessary for efficient production. For the methods 

 of cultivation ploughing, discing, harrowing, etc., a great 

 deal depends upon the character of the crop which the 

 land has just produced. For instance, after grass or 

 clover the land should be skim ploughed in early March, 

 and left for six or eight weeks. Then cultivation should 

 proceed with a firm discing and then deep ploughing, 

 etc. No attempt is going to be made here to treat this 

 part of the subject in elaborate detail ; but from the few 

 facts noted it is hoped that sufficient weight has been 

 given to the necessity for careful and continuous 

 cultivation. 



