CULTIVATION OF PLAXT* v \ 



from the fluids of the soil, and it is attended by, or combined 

 ., principles derived from the atmosphere." 



But they are subject to variations however, in quality and 

 proportion, not only in the different kinds of grain, bat also in 

 those of the same species: the temperature of the season, the 

 nature of the soil and manure, the degree of maturity which 

 the crop has obtained, and the weather at harrest, all give rise 

 to distinct degrees of quality; and this occasions grain to con- 

 tain more nutritive properties in some years than others. 



Seed of every kind should attain full maturity ere it be 

 sown. There is always risk in employing that which has not 

 I at perfection, although instances may occur in which 

 such seed has produced sound crops, when favoured by soil 

 and season. Several cases of this season's occurrence might 

 be mentioned in illustration of the fact 



There is a particular period at trJticA each specie* of feed 

 ought to be loir/i, in order to bring the plants to a perfect state 

 of ripeness. This, however, depends to much upon the soil 

 and season, that it cannot be fixed by any general rule; and 

 the farmer can only be governed by the state of the weather 

 and the forwardness of his work; for, whatever may be his ex- 

 perience, his judgment may be deceived fe the choice of time. 



The condition of the land is, in feet, the best guide; for, 

 if it be in a mellow state, between drought and saotstuu, the 

 seed may be put in with confidence. Some kinds, however, 

 prefer a dry and warm soil; others, that which is more humid 

 and tenacious. Thus, barley, rye, and buckwheat, succeed 

 best on the former; and wheat and oats on the latter. It has, 

 indeed, been remarked, that a certain state of the atmosphere, 

 with which all fanners are well acquainted, is favourable to 

 sowing.* 



The depth at irhich teed ttemU be sotm, is a matter of 

 nicety, as well as of importance. If too deeply buried, germi- 

 nation is impeded, and may be altogether prevented; while, 

 if sown too shallow, sufficient moisture is not left in the sur- 

 face to afford nourishment to the roots of the plant 



The depth at which seed ought to be placed, must, there- 

 fore, be regulated by the nature of the soil. If stiff, more 

 moderate covering should be used than if light and porous; 

 wheat, barley and oats, also require more than rye or buck- 

 wheat; but, except in a few instances, from one and a half to 

 three inches, is, in every case, the lowest to which it should be 

 carried. 



Library f UacfaiEaowkiSfgi Farmers' erie*. 





