ESSAY ON INDIAN COKN. 169 



The cultivation while growing. 



If the plough and cultivator are used faithfully, but little need be 

 done with the hoe. Since the introduction of the cultivator, many 

 have laid aside the horse plough, but both, I think, ought to be used 

 unless the land is very mellow so that the cultivator will go six inches 

 deep. On a hard wet soil, planted early, the cultivator alone makes 

 but little impression. If we use only the plough it does not break 

 up the lumps. Use the plough first, then let it dry for a few days, 

 then use the cultivator to make the soil fine, then plough again. Af- 

 terwards we use only the cultivator or harrow ; there is no danger of 

 using either of these too much for the good of the corn. 



Hilling Com. 

 I was taught to make a large, flat, square hill at the first time of 

 hoeing ; to raise it some at the second hoeing ; at the third or last 

 hoeing to draw all the loose dirt up around the corn, and was told to 

 do this so that the corn might stand up the better. I know not 

 where this idea originated. Perhaps it sprung from the practice of 

 using the sta_y and corsett to keep the form erect. Experience 

 and common sense alike teach that both will be better off without 

 such support. If all the manure has been put in the hill, it may be 

 necessary to make some hill about the corn to prevent the manure 

 from drying up. 



Cutting the top stalk. 



The wisdom of nature is manifested in the growing corn, by caus- 

 ing the stalk to grow far above the ear. The seed, or pollen, is thus 

 placed in a situation favorable to be wafted by the wind to the silk 

 which is connected with each kernel. As soon as the ear is filled 

 the top of the stalk begins to die, and this would seem to indicate 

 that it might then be removed without much injury to the grain. It is 

 the opinion of some, however, that the corn is injured by this pro- 

 cess, more than is gained by the increased value of the fodder. 



Perhaps the inquiry may not be out of place here, which is the 

 best way of using the top stalks ? To cut and dry them for winter 

 food, or to feed them out green to the stock in September ? By re- 

 fering to the report of the committee on the comparative value of 

 crops as food for cattle, in the transactions for 1848, 1 find that doubts 

 are expressed as to the value of green corn stalks as food for milch 



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