GRAIN CROPS. 161 



observed a stray stalk of corn, from the hill, to bear a large ear. 

 In hoeing corn, when the stalks are in close proximity, most of 

 the work can be done with the hoe, whereas if the shoots are 

 scattered the fingers must be used to destroy the weeds. When 

 the stalks are combined, they resist the wind much better than 

 when they stand at a distance from each other. The corn also 

 comes up better. In covering corn there is frequently found a 

 lump of earth or a small stone over the blade, which one blade 

 alone is not able to throw off, but combine five of the same power 

 and this obstacle will be tipped over. There is an advantage 

 too in harvesting, as it comes more directly in reach of the hand 

 and corn-cutter. In rowing the corn both ways, the cultivator 

 can be run within six inches of the hill, leaving only one square 

 foot to be cultivated by the hoe. In this way I have had one 

 man hoe one acre in a day at weeding time. 



The ordinary expenses of working an acre of corn, three times 

 hoeing, is $15.00 up to the time of the last hoeing ; after that 

 time the fodder will pay all other expenses of taking care of the 

 crop. This $15.00 is exclusive of manure and the application 

 of the same. 



Forty loads of manure, with the labor of spreading the 

 same upon the land, cannot cost less than 180.00, one-third of 

 which (-$20.00) should be charged to the corn, the remainder 

 should be charged to the five years' subsequent crops, at the 

 end of which time the land should again come under the 

 plough. 



The land at this time will be found in much better condition 

 than it was at the beginning of the previous six years. This 

 will more than pay the loss of interest on the manure. 



My corn was cut up and stocked about the 15th of September; 

 it was husked about the middle of October. The whole weight 

 of the corn in the ear was 12,920 pounds, making, at 75 pounds 

 for the bushel in the ear, 172 bushels on two acres, or 86 bushels 

 to the acre. One acre might have been selected which would 

 have given a larger proportional amount. 



For my " seed corn " I am indebted to my friend Moses 

 Stebbins, Esq., of South Deerfield. The account of profit and 

 loss will stand thus : — 



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