WHEAT, OATS, RYE, AND BARLEY 143 



parts of the country. When properly cared for, wheat and 

 oats do not " run out " and do not require change of seed. 

 Fertilizers for small grains. These plants make much 

 of their growth during the cooler part of the year. Then 

 the vegetable matter in the soil is not then rotting very 

 rapidly so as to furnish the plant with available nitrogen. 

 For this reason the fertilizer for the small grains ought to 

 be rich in nitrogen. Nitrate of soda is especially suited to 

 the small grains. This can be sown on the growing plants 

 in spring and need not be covered. Acid phosphate, ap- 

 plied when the seed are sown, is often a profitable fertilizer 

 for small grains On very poor soils, it may be necessary 

 to add also some form of potash, making a complete fer- 

 tilizer. 



EXERCISE. If this chapter is studied just after rye has formed heads, 

 notice the abundance of pollen. What does this suggest? Examine 

 a head of oats to learn how many grains in each spikelet or cluster ; 

 which one is the larger ; and where the beards, if any, start. In the 

 same way examine a head of wheat. Resolve to save seeds of the best 

 plants of oats or wheat, when ripe, for a seed-row where the seeds can 

 be improved by continued selection of the best plants. 



NOTE TO THE TEACHER. A comparison of heads (or of grains 

 of young plants) of the four small-grains will suggest many points of 

 similarity and of contrast. Be sure to give practice in identifying the 

 plants by means of the clasps. If any of the small-grains are in bloom, 

 have each pupil examine a flower and describe the stamens and pistils. 



