272 IRRIGATION FARMING. 



Quick growth will prevent this and also adl as a guard 

 against the invasion of worms in the ears. The com- 

 mon rule is not to irrigate corn until the leaves appear 

 wilted in the morning. Though the leaves may curl 

 during the day, as long as they come out bright and 

 fresh in the morning it is best not to supply more 

 water. Corn roots lie near the surface, so deep irriga- 

 tion is not necessary. The water should be run 

 through the rows quickly and turned off. As soon as 

 in a condition to work, the surface should be culti- 

 vated to prevent rapid evaporation. 



If irrigated too early the corn will turn yellow, 

 grow up in small, sickly stalks, and bear poor ears. 

 Again, if watered in the heat of summer the tassels 

 may die and no com can form. When too frequently 

 irrigated the roots will not spread and collec5l nourish- 

 ment from the soil. Healthy stalks will withstand 

 drouth, resist worms, and produce abundantly. The 

 only way to raise good stalks is to plant the best seed 

 on well-plowed and thoroughly pulverized soil. A new 

 and very good method is to plant corn along the sides 

 of previously irrigated furrows. The seed should be 

 planted as soon after irrigation as the soil will permit, 

 and ordinarily need not be watered again until well 

 up. Keep down the weeds by constant cultivation. 

 Many growers do not allow the headgates of the ditches 

 open before the corn comes to the tassel. There are 

 others, however, who do not believe that such precau- 

 tion is necessary. They hold that water may be run 

 down the furrows whenever it seems to be required. 

 The best corn growers in the west have harvested 

 ninety bushels an acre from fields irrigated but once in 



