On Indian Corn, Potatoes ^ bV. 315 



of dropping the heaps. The field sh6uld be staked on 

 one side, and each end ; the distance of one perch is 

 convenient for spreading, and will readily determine 

 the number of loads per acre, with the size of the field. 

 The dropping of the heaps, commencing along the 

 stakes on the side of the field, with the stakes at the 

 ends, insures regularity. If patches appear materially 

 thinner than the soil in general, they should be mark- 

 ed, and additional manure spread over them. The sod, 

 with the manure, should be regularly turned under, 

 with one deep ploughing, or by trench ploughing, 

 which is far preferable ; for it will furnish a surface 

 readily pulverized with the harrow, and bury the seeds 

 of most weeds beneath the power of vegetation, and 

 provide larger scope for the roots of the corn. It is 

 said the skim coulter plough, vv^ill effect this purpose 

 equally well, and with much less labour and expense. 

 If obstacles prevent trench ploughing, the furrow-slice 

 must be compressed with a roller, and the ground har- 

 rowed lengthwise the furrows, sufficiently to close the 

 seams between them, which greatly prevents the growth 

 of the grass. If the cultivator wishes to introduce 

 lime, it may be spread now, with great advantage, and 

 mixed by the harrow with the upper surface of the 

 soil, without injuring the animal manure by its caus- 

 tic properties : for the cultivation of the crop, and 

 those succeeding it, if readily and effectually executed, 

 will keep the lime near the surface, until it is sunk 

 by its own gravity. Wide intervals, or right angles 

 may be formed, sufficiently correct, with the plough, 

 if they have been regularly staked out, but crossing 

 those furrows, for narrow distances, on the rows, and 



