MAIZE 



99 



FlO. 75- Modern steam gang plow 



Preparing the Seed. Before seed is planted in a field, 

 its germinating power should be tested by an experiment 

 with 100 grains. This will show whether or not it is 

 necessary to plant more than are wanted to grow. If 

 many of the grains do not germinate, it is necessary to 

 plant a larger amount of seed. Just before planting, the 

 grain should be put for five minutes into water at a 

 temperature of 55. This will kill all fungus spores, and 

 hasten the germination. 



Planting the Seed. On small fields the grain can be 

 planted by hand, or with a hand planter; but except on 

 small plots, it can be planted so much more rapidly and 



