252 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



nutriment for tlie growing plant. In the application of various 

 manures, the expectation of the cultivator is that they will 

 furnish food in addition to what previously existed in the soil, 

 and he looks for an increased product in consequence. The 

 subsequent operations of hoeing and cultivating are for the 

 purpose of keeping down the growth of vegetation other than 

 that for which the husbandman is laboring, in order that this 

 extraneous vegetation may not deprive the planted crop of that 

 nutriment provided and designed for its especial use and 

 benefit. 



We may now inquire what are the conditions of success in 

 the highest degree, m. the production of results flowing from 

 each of these divisions or operations as applied to the cultiva- 

 tion of a crop on a given piece of land. If the surplus water 

 has been removed by draining, and the ploughing in its depth 

 and character promises to be the best for the proposed crop, 

 then all is done that can be in that direction. This, however, 

 may not be the best, looking beyond the present. The highest 

 success is only attained, when the extreme productive capabili- 

 ties of the soil are profitably reached. In order to ascertain 

 what these are, it may be necessary to inquire what is the most 

 valuable or profitable product which the particular piece of land 

 under consideration is capable of furnishing. With this idea 

 before us, we shall be more likely to succeed than if we looked 

 at merely present results. As a general rule, land cannot be 

 ploughed too deeply, if the whole soil inverted be of an even 

 quality and homogeneous in its nature. Looking for the best 

 results, it is well to deepen the ploughing a little each time, 

 until the best depth is reached. Deep ploughing gives an 

 increased range for the roots of plants, and the deeper the 

 ploughing the greater the exemption from the evil effects of 

 extremes of moisture and drought. The number of times 

 which the ground should be moved previous to planting, 

 depends upon various considerations. As a rule, it cannot be 

 stirred, mixed and pulverized too much for the quantity or 

 value of the crop, but iriay for its profit. 



The time and manner of planting have an influence upon 

 the crop but need not be noticed here. On the subject of after 

 cultivation, there exists some difference of opinion. Many, and 

 perhaps the majoiily, cultivate only to prevent the growth of 



