l8 FORAGE CROPS. 



that time may be given for the upturned soil to 

 become warmer than it would be if spring plowed, 

 through the influence of the sun shining on it and of 

 the warm rain penetrating it. Second, to give time 

 for weathering influences, as that of frost, to operate 

 upon it, so that inert fertility will be unlocked and 

 made available. Third, that the seed bed will be 

 given time to regain its former density. And, fourth, 

 that ample time may be given to sprout the weeds on 

 the surface before sowing the corn. This can be 

 done by running the harrow or cultivator over the 

 surface of the soil as soon as the ground is dry, and 

 by using the harrow again and again on the same 

 soil as often as the weeds have sprouted in consid- 

 erable numbers. It is very important that this shall 

 be done even on fallow land that is to be sown with 

 corn. In addition to the cleaning of the land, the 

 soil moisture will be retained in it. But in some 

 localities, especially those in which the soils are essen- 

 tially clay, and where the winters are mild and rainy, 

 it may be unwise to plow the land in the fall, lest it 

 assume an impacted and clammy condition that 

 would seriously interfere with and hinder the opera- 

 tions of tillage. Under these conditions the land 

 should be plowed as early as possible in the spring 

 and subsequently managed like fall plowed land up 

 to the time of sowing the corn. 



When the corn is to follow rye or crimson clover 

 or winter oats, or any other crop that has been grazed 

 off in the spring, or grain that has been sown and 

 failed to make a stand, the depth of the plowing 

 should be regulated by the composition of the soil, 

 its present condition as to moisture, and the general 

 character of the climate. The more clay the soil con- 



