78 LIFE ON THE FARM. 



full grown, because, with the added weight of the 

 heavy ear, there is then the most need of support. 



Weeds soon spring up in a corn field on account 

 of the plants being so far apart; so incessant culti- 

 vation is necessary to destroy them. Cultivation 

 not only keeps down the weeds, but also keeps the 

 soil in a condition for holding moisture. Corn, of 

 all plants, requires a great amount of water for its 

 growth and development. It should be plowed 

 four or five times during a season, best while the 

 plants are small, so that the roots may not be inter- 

 fered with. After the plants are large enough to 

 completely shade the ground, further cultivation is 

 unnecessary; for the shade not only prevents weeds 

 from growing, but also keeps in check a too rapid 

 evaporation of soil moisture. 



Corn is harvested, or gathered, in late autumn, 

 or at any time during the winter. Some husk it in 

 the field, and others cut and gather it, husk and 

 all, leaving the husking till the corn is needed for 

 the market or for feeding. The leaves of corn be- 

 ing of the same nature as hay, the stalks are some- 

 times cut just before frost and made into shocks in 

 the field or placed in barns. In this form it is 

 known as fodder, and makes a good, rough feed for 

 cattle and horses during autumn and winter. The 

 stalks are not eaten, being too tough and coarse. 

 Owing to its bulky nature, corn fodder is never 

 shipped away to market, but is fed on the farm 

 where it is raised. 



