64 THE OLIVER PLOW BOOK 



oftener if necessary to put the ground in a better con- 

 dition of temperature for the sprouting of the seed. 



Time is the determining factor. Oftentimes when 

 plowing should be done so as not to form clods, the 

 farmer is exceedingly busy at some other task, usually 

 harvesting or cultivating. Naturally the plowing waits. 



There is always some season in the year when ground 

 can be plowed without the formation of clods. For this 

 reason those who expect to get the most out of their 

 plowing will take that into grave consideration. It is a 

 peculiar fact that plowing is usually done in certain 

 seasons of the year because of habit and necessity. 



No one who contemplates building a house would ever 

 think of laying the foundation in the winter when 

 freezing would ruin it before the house could be built. 

 It is just as illogical to plow the ground when it is not in 

 condition for pulverization as it is to lay a foundation 

 in the winter, providing Nature does not have time to do 

 the pulverizing before the crop is planted. 



This old idea of spring plowing, fall plowing, and 

 summer plowing will have to give way to plowing when 

 the ground is in proper condition for it, particularly in 

 the heavy types of soil, if the crop is to have the benefit 

 of the best start possible. 



If plowing is done at the last minute, the ground is 

 either in first class condition for pulverization, too wet, 

 or too dry and hard. The chances are one in three of 

 finding the ground fit. Consequently, plowing cannot 

 be put off until spring or fall if advantage is to be taken 

 of right conditions for plowing. 



Unfortunately it has been the habit for years and 

 years to put off plowing sod, cornfields, and very many 



