203 



CHAPTER II. 



WHEAT. 



Indian wheat in the European markets, The exports from 

 Bombay. The high quality of wheat and the increasing 

 demand. The successful cultivation of wheat demanding 

 a thorough knowledge of the Principles of Rational Agri- 

 culture. Exhaustion of the soil rendering wheat-plants 

 liable to be attacked by disease and parasites. Deficiencies 

 in soils on which wheat has been grown for any length 

 of time. Available silica in its relation to wheat. How 

 to increase available silica in wheat-soils. Rotation of 

 crops. The agricultural advantages of India in connec- 

 tion with irrigation. The defects of wheat-soils deter- 

 minable by studying the mineral elements contained in 

 wheat. Nitrogen and wheat. Mineral constituents neces- 

 sary for the development of a long, well-filled ear. The 

 composition of wheat-ash. Salt a fertilizer for wheat. 

 Composition of wheat-straw. The relation between seed 

 and straw, and the mineral constituents relatively required. 

 The manuring of wheat-soils to be adapted to the wants 

 of the plant. The first step of profitable farming in India 

 is the accumulation of the raw material, i.e., manure, for 

 good harvests. The deepening of the soil. An acre 

 twelve inches deep is worth more than four acres six inches 

 deep. General instructions for sowing, ploughing, and 

 manuring. The Cultivation of Wheat in the Central 

 Provinces by A. C. Elliot. 



NOT less important than rice, although not so 

 largely consumed by the native of India, WHEAT 

 claims next our attention as another staple product 

 of India. 



Indian wheat is beginning to be greatly 

 demanded in the European markets, and there is 



