CULTIVATION OF CROPS. 



67 





time they will be on where it has been harrowed twice, 

 which makes it easier. 



The Essence of Cultivation. It is to keep the soil 

 clean and loose, that the roots, whether grass, field, or 

 garden crops, may grow amongst it and feed in all 



directions. With prac- 

 tice and skill the best 

 results are got with 

 the least labor, and the 

 soil is maintained in 

 perfect cultivation. To 

 get this result, the soil 

 must be prepared in 

 thoroughly fine con- 

 dition before sowing 

 or planting. Then to 

 keep the soil in good, loose tilth until the crop is past all 

 danger from weeds, which are much more easily destroyed 

 when young than when they get a start to grow. The soil 

 prepared before planting the seed is in a majority of cases 

 in that condition that the harrow is found the cheapest 

 and best implement for doing the necessary work. 



For Rolling Land. The roller is an effective culti- 

 vating help. It may be of iron, hollow, and filled with 



water, where weight is 

 necessary. But a well- 

 rounded log of hard 

 wood, cut in two or 

 more sections, with a 

 spindle passing through, 

 The Boiler for Cultivation makes a good roller. 



Mechanical Condition of the Soil. In all the operations 

 of cultivation, we must see to the mechanical state of the 

 soil whether it is stiff, or what is called clayey ; or loose, 

 or sandy, or gravely or stony ; whether it is rich in vege- 

 table or organic matter ; or whether there is but a small 

 proportion of this substance in it. All those conditions, as 

 we have seen, are influenced by the mechanical state, not 

 of the surface only, but of the subsoil as well, to as great 



