t 155 ] 



On Trench Ploughing for Indian Corn^ and on courses 

 of CropSy by Mr. William BakewelL 



Read March 9, 1813. 



Fatland Fordy Montgomery Co. Feb. 25, 181S. 



Dear Sir, 



I have been in the habit for several years, of trench 

 ploughing for Indian corn. The last summer I was 

 induced at the solicitations of my servant, to try about 

 an acre, by simply ploughing the ground, and plant- 

 ing it in the usual mode. I was much surprised at the 

 difference in the produce of the two parts of the same 

 field ; that of the trenched part was at least double the 

 quantity of the single ploughed, and each part had ex- 

 actly the same culture after the corn was planted. 



The mode I use is a saving of labour instead of an 

 addition to it. About two weeks before the usual 

 time of planting corn, two furrows are backed upon 

 each other ; an experienced ploughman can manage 

 them so as just to meet ; but they will be better to fall 

 somewhat short, than to lap over on each other. — At 

 the time of planting I put three horses to the plough, 

 and trench plough the furrow that was ploughed be- 

 fore ; a board must be placed between the coulter and 

 the mould-board of the plough, to prevent the soil from 

 falling down, and it will completely cover the seed 

 corn, which saves the trouble of covering it by the hoc 

 in the usual way. 



I generally plant about 18 inches distant, and my 

 rows of corn are eight feet apart ; a hoe is used to 



