Part II.] ^'ALUE OF CORN. 87 



For one, I like to plow in the fall, turning in the baj-n 

 manure, and then cross plow in the early spring to break up 

 all particles and insure distribution of food all through the 

 mass. Turning old sod in August and harrowing, as witch 

 grass starts, then cross plowing early in the spring and pre- 

 paring the land thoroughly, has completely killed this so-called 

 pest and insured a good crop. Witch grass is one of the^ best 

 friends a farmer can have, provided it stirs him to keep it in 

 subjection, because in doing this the land gets better prepa- 

 ration for future work. The day has passed for "I guess that 

 will do." Hereafter we must know of the thoroughness of 

 every step, that we may find the minimum cost of production. 



Maximum crops are insured only when grown on healthy 

 ^oils. Healthy soils are dependent on living organisms made 

 possible by cover crops, barn-yard manure and short-term 

 rotation. Fifty years ago Pasteur, the great French biologist, 

 proved the fact of life in the soil, yet to-day we have hardly 

 grasped the significance of the lesson. The nitrification of 

 organic nitrogen by these friendly forms of bacteria plays an 

 important part in profitable crop production. Barn manure 

 must again become the sheet anchor with every would-be 

 successful cropper. The earlier that recognition of this fact 

 forces increase of cattle, sheep and hogs on the farms the 

 better for Massachusetts farmers and farming. 



The future for New England agriculture hinges on increase 

 of live stock. The intimate connection between the corn crib 

 and tieup, sheepfold, hog ranch or poultry yard must be 

 established. More corn opens the door and more live stock 

 solves the problem which from any other standpoint is beyond 

 human solution, save with a few specialists. The absolute im- 

 possibility of obtaining chemicals or mixed fertilizers balanced 

 for the work required compels attention to the problem here 

 presented, even if the high prices certain to be realized for 

 meat products did not present attractions. 



The best life of the State requires that its food of support 

 be supplied in larger measure from its own farms. Depend- 

 ence by farmers on outside markets for beef, lamb, pork and 

 horses has largely killed that self-reliant spirit necessary for 

 full protection of individual rights. When the time comes 



