GRAIN CROPS. 69 



must be regulated by the condition and location of the land, 

 the kind of seed planted, and such other considerations as will 

 occur to the mind of every practical farmer. A side hill would 

 require more distance than an*even surface, and one where 

 there were stones and coarse sods more than where the surface 

 was well pulverized. From three and one-half to four feet each 

 way is a proper distance where the land is capable of being cul- 

 tivated both ways ; if not, the rows should be wider one way and 

 closer the other, and should be so close as to contain from 

 twenty to twenty-five hills to the square rod. 



As to distance of seed in the hills there is also a diversity of 

 practice. It should be planted close in the hills for the following 

 reasons : 1st. Because it will stand stronger and suffer less 

 from the winds and rains. 2d. Because the rows may be equally 

 near and give six or eight inches more space to work. 3d. 

 Because it is more easily cleared of weeds, and there is less 

 danger of breaking it down when bringing up the fresh dirt 

 around it. 4th. Because when ready for harvesting, a hill can 

 be cut at a single stroke of the cutter or sickle, when, if scattered, 

 a stroke would be necessary for each stalk. Number of kernels 

 in the hill. To guard against depredations by worms and 

 imperfect seed, there should be from five to eight kernels put 

 in each hill, to remain until after the hoeing, but, before the 

 second hoeing, the number of stalks should be reduced to four. 

 It is better to have but three than to have more than four. In 

 cultivating a field of corn the object should be to keep the sur- 

 face as even as possible, as the earth is worth more to the grow- 

 ing crop to remain in the rows for the roots to work in than to 

 be drawn up around the stalks. And it will stand the drough 

 better and be firmer in the hills. 



A clean culture is also necessary. The surface should be 

 kept constantly light by the plough, harrow, horse hoe, or culti- 

 vator. No weeds or grass should be allowed to grow with corn, 

 as they consume a part of the food designed for the corn, and 

 thus check its growth and productiveness, as well as that of 

 succeeding crops. 



In reading the report of the Secretary of the State Board of 

 Agriculture, of a discussion by that body, on the subject of rais- 

 ing corn, I was very much surprised at the opinion expressed by 

 Mr. Grout, (a member of the Board,) relating to the depth to 



