FALLOWING. 91 



in their growth, and sometimes bend them to the ground. 

 Pumpkins should not be planted with corn, except along 

 the margin of the field ; they rob the hills of much vegeta- 

 ble food, and by their shade shut out too much the in- 

 fluence of the sun. 



No crop while growing, requires more attention than 

 corn. To prevent it from being stunted at the outset, 

 it is adviseabie to apply some stimulants to the plants 

 when very young; such as bog-dirt, ashes, or gypsum, 

 and this should be repeated at the third hoeing. When 

 the plants are three or four inches high, the plough 

 must pass in the intervals, making two furrovv^s in each, 

 turned from the rows ; the weeds killed and a little fresh 

 earth drawn about the plants with a hoe. In about half 

 a month after, plough again, turning the earth towards 

 the rows, and draw up some more earth with the hoe. 

 Just before the corn spindles give it the last ploughing 

 and hoeing in a manner similar to the last, keeping the 

 plough as far as possible from the hills. Avoid the 

 harrow at weeding ; it leaves the earth close and heavy, 

 and injures the crop. Hoeing when the ground is soak- 

 ed with water is also disadvantageous. 



The practice of making very large hills is injurious, 

 by diverting the water, and preventing the intiuence of 

 the sun upon the lower roots, subjeciing the plant to 

 the exertion of sending out new sets of roots, at a suit- 

 able distance from the surface, and causing it to be more 

 frequently broken by winds. (See Hoeing.) 



The growth of suckers is injurious to the crop, and 

 ought to be either pulled up, or bent down to the ground 

 and covered with earth sufficient to kill them ; this, by 

 not wounding the principal stalk is no doubt the best 

 way. 



If this crop is harvested too early, it will lose much 

 by shrinking. It should not be topped before the grains 

 have somewhat hardened. It is probably the best plan 

 to cut up the stalks by the roots, some days after the 

 visual time for topping, and set it up in shocks to harden. 

 In this way it is supposed, the ears derive the same 

 nourishment from the stalk as when standing; much fod- 

 der is saved, and the ground is ready to be ploug;hed in 

 preparation for aaother crop. 



