INDIAN CORN. 199 



The purest seed we can possibly obtain will produce some 

 unthrifty plants, yet we can effect much to lessen the importance 

 of using a double quantity of seed, and afterwards thinning. 

 The most effectual mctliod of securing pure seed is to pass 

 through the field when the corn begins to ripen, and mark the 

 most forward and perfectly formed ears, in such manner that 

 we can distinguish them at harvest, and reserve for seed. This 

 is a better method than that which has long been in practice 

 with many good farmers, of selecting their seed corn, while 

 husking the crop, from the most fruitful stalks and the largest 

 ears. In this selection we are liable to take many ears which 

 were late in ripening, and produce an effect on the future crop, 

 which it is desirable to avoid. This selection of seed corn, 

 however, though not the best that can be practised, is far 

 preferable to a selection from the crib, which is yet the practice 

 of some farmers. 



When there appears not much danger of depredations by 

 birds, or insects, seed corn may be planted in its natural state ; 

 various preparations are recommended, some to hasten the 

 growth of the corn, but most of them to prevent its destruc- 

 tion by birds and insects. For the latter purpose, some of the 

 steps recommended may be useful ; great caution, however, 

 against the infusion of too much poisonous matter, and against 

 suffering the corn to dry too much before planted. Corn 

 planted, or shelled from the ear, is the most certain to vegetate 

 evenly, and resort to any other preparation should be submitted 

 to only in extraordinary cases. 



Whether corn be planted by hand, or with a machine, we 

 should endeavor to have it covered at tlie least an inch and a 

 half deep, to secure sufficient moisture, and give it early firm 

 hold in the soil. When the corn plants are about two inches 

 high, the first dressing should be given. Some modern writers 

 advise not to use the plough at all, in the culture of corn, 

 stating that the cultivator, and harrow, will stir the ground 

 de6p enough. The writer thinks the plough is the most useful 

 instrument, in the first dressing ; let it run as near the first row 

 as it can, without disturbing the plants ; returning, pass it near 

 the second row, forming a ridge between the rows through the 

 field. This ridge should not be disturbed in the first hoeing ; 



