INDIAN CORN. 201 



If it is done while the corn is quite soft, the hardening of it 

 will be delayed, and the corn will always be lighter than that 

 which is naturally and well ripened. The same caution is 

 demanded when corn is cut at the ground in September, and 

 stooked ; if any of the ears are soft when this is done, they 

 will ripen only in a shrivelled manner. This work is recom- 

 mended to be done in prospect of an early autumnal frost ; but 

 while the corn is yet very soft, stooking is nearly as injurious 

 as frost. 



The most value in fodder is obtained in stooking ; the most 

 value in corn, to let all remain in the field till the corn is dry 

 enough to put in the crib. It is a common error, when stalks 

 arc cut, to do it too early, and we often hurry the business of 

 harvesting, at the risk of having the corn mould in crib. There 

 are many circumstances which tend to make farmers negligent 

 in the employment of art in tlie corn field. Without any 

 special preparation, every field will yield some corn. Careless, 

 planting and culture will not be followed with so entire failure,. 

 as in the management of some other grains. But no grain; 

 crop can be increased to so great extent, in careful and judi-- 

 cious management, as Indian corn. Experimenters have shown^ 

 the practicability of doubling and even trebling the usual 

 amount obtained. Tliis result is reached not exclusively by- 

 high manuring and judicious cultivation ; but much depends 

 on the number of plants, and the situation of them in the field.. 

 The late excellent farmer. Judge Buel, made numerous experi- 

 ments to prove the most suitable number of plants to the acre,., 

 and formed a table showing the different products of difierent 

 numbers of plants on the acre. 



This table it would be well for farmers often to consult, as a. 

 guide in the manner of planting. It is therefore subjoined. 



1. An acre in hills, 4 feet apart each way, making 2,722 hills,, 

 will produce 42 bushels and 16 quarts. 



2. The same, 3 by 3 feet, making 4,840 hills, will produce 

 75 bushels and 20 quarts. 



3. The same, 2 by 2} feet, making 5,808 hills, will produce 

 93 bushels and 28 quarts. 



4. The same, at 3 feet, plants 6 inches apart in the drills, 

 making 29,040 stalks, will produce 113 bushels and 14 quarts. 



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