METHODS OF TILLAGE. 87 



mulch must be. The practical test is easy : if the pulver- 

 ized layer becomes dry and if on brushing it aside with 

 the foot, the firm surface is hard and more or less dry also, 

 the mulch is not effective and its character must be im- 

 proved. 



Steps by Which Conservation is Attained. The foun- 

 dation for a satisfactory moisture-conserving tilth is laid 

 with the plow during the fall or winter preceding the 

 summer during which it is to be maintained. Though 

 plowing has been considered as a factor in opening the 

 soil to receive and store moisture it is also considered in 

 its conservation. To do this the plow must be used when 

 the soil is in the best condition not only for turning but 

 for disintegrating by the crushing action of the mold 

 board so that the soil particles shall lie closely upon the 

 firm portion and not form large air spaces which minister 

 to drying out. Plowing when the soil is unfit results in 

 clods, which are every way hateful in the garden, and in 

 air spaces, which are objectionable, as shown. Even when 

 the soil is in reasonably good condition, late plowing, if 

 left rough and open to dry winds, will form clods in all 

 except the loosest soils, consequently all late plowing 

 should be at once well harrowed. 



The next step in the assurance of a good earth mulch 

 is the early use of the cultivator. It will not do to allow 

 the harrowed soil to crust by rains and then trust to some 

 later rain to loosen and rescue the young plants from its 

 embrace. Just as soon as the soil arrives in condition 

 after a rain, stir the surface well and the crust will not be 

 formed, and this must be done just as soon as crust-form- 

 ing conditions recur. In this way the soil surface is con- 

 stantly kept in good absorbing condition and is also car- 

 ried on its way to the best conserving condition as well. 

 Weed growth, which is moisture wasting, is also pre- 

 vented. 



Then comes the summer cultivation to retain such an 

 earth-mulch as has been described. If it proceeds upon 



