170 SUCCESSFUL FARMING 



tillage demanded by this crop makes it essential that the rows be straight, 

 and in case it is check-rowed, that the hills be reasonably compact. 



The dropping device should be carefully adjusted and the plates 

 selected to drop the desired number of kernels. It pays to grade the 

 seed for uniformity in size. No device can do perfect work with seed 

 corn, the kernels of which vary greatly in size. There are two forms of 

 plates: the round-holed plate and the edge-selection plate. Whichever 

 form is used, the adjustments should be such that the kernels of corn 

 will not be broken. 



A GOOD CORN PLANTER. 1 



There are four forms of furrow openers for corn planters, viz., the 

 curved runner, the stub runner, the single disk and the double disk. 

 Each has its advantages, depending on character and condition of soil 

 and presence or freedom from trash. Whatever form is used, the seed 

 should be deposited at a uniform depth and properly covered. 



There are several forms of planter wheels. Their purpose is three- 

 fold: (1) to support the frame of the machine, (2) to cover the corn, and 

 (3) to compress the earth about it. A solid wheel is made both flat and 

 concave on its surface. The concave surface is superior, because it more 

 completely closes the furrow and leaves the track slightly higher in the 

 center than at the sides. The open wheel is also used. This leaves a 



Courtesy of Emerson-Brantingham Implement Company, Rockford, III. From pamphlet "A 

 Book About Emerson Planter, " 



