146 



AGRICULTURE 



wedge-shaped. These give the largest grain yield to the ear, 



and hence to the acre. 



Seed corn should be raised on a plot where 

 ft will not mix with other varieties. It should 

 have fertile soil and careful cultivation. In 

 thinning, all inferior plants should be destroyed. 

 As the tassels appear, they should be removed 

 from all barren, or earless, stalks. If these tas- 

 sels are left, their pollen fertilizes the productive 

 plants, and the number of barren .stalks in the 

 next crop is increased. 



Wheat. Wheat has been raised from very 

 ancient times. The quantity and quality of the 

 crop is highest in cool climates, but it will thrive 

 in a variety of climates if given proper tillage 

 and fertilizing. It prefers close, firm, rich land. 

 A fertile loam is best, and next to that well- 

 drained, manured clay. Sandy soils are poor- 

 est for wheat, because the subsoil is apt to be 



A bad ear of seed corn {-QQ open . 



Wheat is raised in all sections of the United States. It is third 

 in value of the crops of the country. The United States produces 

 about one fifth of the 

 three billion bushels 

 which the world con- 

 sumes annually. 



The great wheat 

 belt of America is in 

 the Northwest, ex- 

 tending from Minnesota, North Dakota, and Montana northward 

 far into Canada. This section is capable of producing the entire 



Different shaped kernels of corn. The fourth is the best 

 shaped. Why? 



