CORN CULTURE. 273 



in this and other localities where the production of milk has 

 become a specialty. 



Corn is undoubtedly the most prolific of all the grains. 

 The best ears of ei<jht-rowed corn averao^e more than 500 

 kernels, and it is said that the large varieties frequently reach 

 1,000 grains to the ear. Some varieties common in this 

 vicinity frequently produce three or four well-developed 

 ears from a single grain of seed, so that a yield of ten 

 hundred fold is by no means uncommon. 



I have said that every farmer should raise corn, and I will 

 now add that every one should strive to reach a high stand- 

 ard in the excellence of his crop. Do not aim to grow a 

 certain number of acres of corn, but look well to the bushels. 

 If you have not a suitable quantity of manure for two acres, 

 plant one. Let the ground be well plowed and the manure 

 thoroughly worked in, and the soil rendered as fine as possi- 

 ble. It is a good rule to harrow it as much as you think 

 sufficient, and then harrow it again. Have this work all 

 done, if you can, before the lath of May ; but do not be 

 in a hurry to plant until the ground is warm enough to en- 

 sure the immediate germination of the seed. The sooner it 

 comes up, the more rapid and healthy will generally be its 

 ijrowth afterwards. 



Farmers generally should give more attention to securing 

 the best varieties, and especially to saving their seed-corn, 

 for by this latter means the quality and yield of the crop 

 may be materially improved. 



I said it is well to seek for the best varieties. But we 

 sometimes do not feel satisfied with what we have, although 

 it may be the best thing for us, and in looking for some- 

 thino; better we make a mistake. 



I am satisfied that it is not safe to change the seed of corn 

 from one locality to another, as we do with great advantage 

 in the case of potatoes. A variety of corn that has become 

 acclimated, so to speak, in a certain locality will continue 

 to improve year by year in the same locality ; but if taken 

 to another place, even though but a comparatively short 

 distance, will be very likely to disappoint 3^ou by not ripen- 

 ing as early, by some weeks, as it had done in the locality 



