94 FALLOWING. 



left ill a lumpy crude state, at the time of sowing, must 

 have remarked the cUfl'crence to have been very con- 

 siderable. Experience has shewn, that this crop should 

 never, where it can be avoided, be grown after other 

 kinds of grain crops, as rye, barley, or oats ; and that 

 animal manure should not be applied for it, but for 

 such crops as may precede it. Clover or other vegeta- 

 ble substances, or, where they can be obtained, mineral 

 manures, should be alone employed as the means of en- 

 riching the soil. Gypsum may be strewed over the 

 ground at the time of sowing at the rate of two or three 

 bushels to the acre. 



The wheat intended for seed should be some of the 

 best grown of the crop ; it should be well ripened be- 

 fore it is harvested, and if there be any smut in the 

 crop, the part intended for seed should not be put in 

 the mow with the rest. Changing the seed, or sowing 

 it on a different soil, is supposed to prevent it from de- 

 generating. Before sowing, pass it through a screen, 

 to take out the seeds of weeds, fee. To prevent smut, 

 steep or float the wheat in brine, urine, lye of wood 

 ashes, &c. for a longer or shorter time, say from twelve 

 to twenty-four hours ; skim off the light kernels which 

 float, take out and before sowing sprinkle the seed with 

 lime, leached ashes, or plaster of Paris. The quantity 

 of seed recommended for an acre varies from five pecks 

 to two bushels ; six pecks is the usual quantity. Lands 

 weedy and of a deep rich soil require more, as well as 

 lands newly broken up. The size of the grain and the 

 time of sowing must determine in a great measure the 

 quantity to be sown; for the later it is sown the more 

 will be required. 



With respect to the time of sowing winter wheat 

 there is a diversity of opinion. About the middle of 

 September, however, is the prevailing opinion, if the 

 ground is in a suitable condition. (Respecting getting in 

 the crop, see article Harrow.) If it is likely to grow 

 too large before winter, the best way is to feed or mow 

 it down; this will make it more strong and productive. 

 Spring wheat should be sown as early as the ground 

 can be made mellow. Some of the best crops raised ia 

 New England were sown in the month of March. The 

 <|uality of this wheat is inferior, and the '-crop usually 



