156 IRRIGATION FARMIXG. 



one-half inches high, choice selected grain should be 

 planted by hand if planted early there is generally 

 enough moisture in the soil to germinate every grain. 

 Winter wheat wants but little water after November. 

 Spring wheat needs the first irrigation about the time it 

 is undergoing the process of stooling. The cultivation 

 may be done with one horse and a small plow with 

 guards to keep the dirt from covering the growing grain, 

 or it can be done with a hoe. The furrows between 

 should be kept open and clean so that the water when 

 applied may run below the top of the ridges all the 

 time and do its work among the roots, and never on 

 the surface. This plan requires only nine or ten 

 pounds of seed to the acre and the yield will be just. 

 as great. It must be understood that wheat planted 

 in this way will tiller in such manner as to increase 

 the yield." 



Oats. The secret of raising oats successful!}* as 

 with almost all spring-sown crops is found to consist 

 in the quick germination of the seed, a rapid and health v 

 growth during the first stages, allowing no backset, and 

 careful attention to the cultivation and irrigation. Oats 

 require more water than does any other grain crop, and in 

 very dry spells they may be irrigated in the earlier stage 

 of grojvth every two weeks. The general treatment is 

 the same as for wheat only that greater quantities of 

 water are usually needed. It is well to plant early so as 

 to get the benefit of snows and rain, that the seed may 

 germinate of its own accord. When six inches high the 

 principal wetting should be given, and an acre foot is 

 not too much water to apply at this time in the arid 

 region, especially on sandy soil. Some people irrigate 

 almost continuously from the time the crop commences 

 to head until the grain begins to turn. The claim made 

 is that the practice checks the first stand and forces the 

 -rain to root, stool and head moro abundantly. The 



