Thick-sowings on rich or highly-manured soil produce a 

 close luxuriant growth of prematurely-developed plants, 

 which generally become matted and laid long before 

 harvest. Crops in this state are invariably attacked by 

 mildew, under the influences of which their yield is greatly 

 lessened. In rich and poor soils alike, thin sowing is 

 beneficial not too thin on poor soil, though on very 

 highly-manured soils seed can scarcely be too thinly sown. 

 The desideratum is to produce a good standing regular 

 crop, through which air and light may get. As a rule, 

 thick-sown crops require an abundant supply of manure 

 to enable them to perfect their development. The compe- 

 tition for support must be specially provided for, if the 

 soil is not in a high manural condition. But rules cannot 

 be laid down for all conditions of soil, of crop, of climate, 

 &c. ; each farmer should experiment and ascertain for 

 himself what quality of seed of each variety best suits his 

 soil and climate." 



