PRACTICAL DEDUCTIONS 



57 



plowiug when the soil permits the better the preparation for 

 planting. 



If a soil is shallow, gradually deepen it by subsequent plow- 

 ing. By going an inch deeper, for instance, each plowing, the 

 soil can be deepened, improved, and enriched. 



If the deepening process is attempted at one plowing, in a 

 soil too shallow, it will be ruined for some time 'and the crop 

 destroyed for the first season at least. After a depth for plow- 

 ing has once been established, vary it slightly from time to 

 time; otherwise, a layer at the bottom of the furrow will be 

 formed of compacted and hardened soil, due to steps of horse 

 and man. 



Fig. 11. This Plot ^vas Plowed T inches Deep 



11. Destroy the weeds. This necessitates cultivation, 

 which should be done as often as necessary to keep out the 

 weeds. The harrow, if used a few days after planting and 

 again after the corn is wp, will do much to put the corn ahead 

 of the weeds. Follow with the weeder and cultivator often 

 enough to destroy weeds. Where a soil is badly infested with 

 weeds, plant corn in hills and rows so as to be able to cultivate 

 both ways. 



