FOR BETTER CROPS 105 



Experiment Plots — Much has been done by the Department 

 of Agriculture and the state experiment stations to aid the 

 farmer. By long- continued experiments and by spreading the 

 information thus gained, many have reaped large benefit, but it 

 is to be hoped that the time is not far distant when each 

 community will have experiment plots of its own, and tiiose 

 centers will become nuclei of both scientific and intensive 

 farming. 



Harvesting Wheat — In the story of the wheat field we have 

 come to the time when the sound of the binder is heard in the 

 land. Most farmers are well prepared for this part of the work 

 and modern machines are keeping up with the demands of the 

 progressive farmer. Many farmers cut their wheat when it is 

 too ripe and much loss results. It may be cut while the grain 

 is still soft, so that it can be crushed between the thumb and 





Wheat in the shock 



finger, and while there is considerable sap in the straw. Early 

 cutting adds also to the value of the straw and reduces the risk 

 from storms. The sheaves bind together better and tliere is less 

 opportunity for water to gain admittance. Another advantage 

 is the fact that a larger amount of wheat can be stored in a 

 given space if cut moderately green. The best hands for this 

 work should attend to the shocking, as much damage may follow 

 carelessness in this part of the work. If the cap sheaves are 

 put on with the heads in the direction of the prevailing winds, 

 they will be less apt to be blown off. If barn space is not suffi- 

 cient to store wheat, it pays to erect sheds for this purpose. 

 Much wheat has been damaged by being threshed too soon ; and 

 leaving it out in the field is always a risk. 



Storing under Shelter — It is not only from the Standpoint 

 of safety for the wheat crop that it is best to store under shelter, 



