SECRETARY'S REPORT. 125 



farmers raise enough for their own consumption and some to 

 spare." From the most reliable information obtained, it is 

 believed, that the crop of last year, though not so good as that 

 of 1860, cannot be less than two hundred and fifty thousand 

 bushels. No complaint is made of any obstacles to its cultiva- 

 tion in the least formidable, where the soil is sufficiently fertile. 

 Most say, " wheat is as sure as any other grain." " Can raise 

 more bushels of it to the acre on the same land than we can of 

 rye." Smut, rust, blast and insects do not injure it if the 

 general management is correct, and land well cared for. 



These facts appear to be unimpeachable, and should stimu- 

 late and encourage us to engage more largely in its culture. 

 There is but little variation of opinion respecting the soil best 

 adapted to the growth of wheat. A writer in an agricultural 

 journal in New York, as long ago as 1820, says : " Wheat will 

 grow best on land which contains just as much clay as can be 

 combined with it, without subjecting the wheat to being frozen 

 out ; and the point can be ascertained by washing a little of 

 the soil in a tumbler of water, and seeing how long it will take 

 it to become clear. If it takes it more than three hours, it is 

 liable to be injured by frost." Any warm, friable soil, of 

 moderate tenacity, whether it be sandy or gravelly loam, will 

 bear wheat. But a light per cent, of clay with it is preferable. 

 If intended for winter wheat the per cent, of clay should be 

 small, as it increases its liability to winter-killing. Bo the soil 

 what it may, the surface should be so undulating, that no 

 water will stand on it during the thaws of winter and spring, 

 or the heavy showers of summer. This is essential to complete 

 success ; and also that the soil should be brought to a perfect 

 tilth ; be made mellow and permeable to a depth as great as 

 the roots of the plants penetrate, and if the subsoil is hard, 

 and water-bearing, it should be broken up or brought to the 

 surface, that the superabundant water may drain off quickly 

 and without injuring the plants. 



The best manure for this crop, and what crop it should 

 succeed, are questions about which there is more doubt. It is 

 the common practice to sow wheat after Indian corn, clover, or 

 tobacco, and as it succeeds well thus, no change is sought or 

 desired. Fine crops have been grown after potatoes. If sown 

 after corn it should be in the spring, as winter wheat on old 



