VEGETABLES. . 143 



needed in severe droughts, nothing is more desirable than 

 thorough and careful ploughing. The deeper the soil the 

 more plant-food, and the lower the roots penetrate. To obtain 

 a steady and quick vegetation the ground should be pulver- 

 ized to a depth sufficient to accommodate any length of root 

 the plant may grow under any circumstances. The more room 

 provided, and the lower the water stratum is rendered, the 

 greater number of roots will grow. The depth of the water 

 stratum determines the length of plant roots ; they will never 

 penetrate below this, but will continue stretching down until 

 they reach it, if it is three feet from the surface. If they are 

 allowed to descend only six or eight inches, the quantity of 

 root will be too small for the upper portions of the plant ; but 

 if they are unlimited, they will, other things being equal, be 

 capable of sustaining the plant at almost any time ; for this, 

 the increased root augments the quantity of moisture taken 

 up, and sustains it under the sun's heat. Deep ploughing has 

 never been justly appreciated, and is a matter that claims the 

 attention of all farmers, who should use every means of work- 

 ing against severe droughts. 



The cultivator and the hoe are also effective implements for 

 pulverizing and stirring the soil. Especially are these methods 

 of culture beneficial, if the soil is inclined to bake or crust, 

 as it very often does in severe droughts. Science, with prac- 

 tice, must be the motto in raising good vegetable crops. The 

 advice of the old painter to his pupil, to "mix brains with his 

 colors," is equally applicable to the gardener, the vegetable 

 producer, "mix brains with the soil." Do nothing vaguely or 

 indefinitely ; calculate closely, exactly, and determine the 

 result of every step, and success will attend the labor. 



Albert C. Baetlett, Chairman. 



