30 THE COBIPLETE FARMER 



Stirred, the corn taken out, and as much plaster added as 

 will adhere to the grain. This impregnates and partially 

 coats the seed v/ith tar. The experience of years will war- 

 rant me in confidently recommending this as a protection for 

 the seed. 



' The manner of planting is ordinarily in hills from two 

 and a half to six feet apr.rt, according to the varietur of 

 corn, the strength of the soil, and the fancy of the cultiva- 

 tor. The usual distance in my neighborhood is three feet. 

 Some^ however, plant in drills of one, two, or three rows, by 

 which a greater crop is unquestionably obtained, though the 

 expense of culture is somewhat increased. The quantity 

 of seed should be double, and may be auadruple^ what is 

 required to stand. It is well known that a great difference 

 is manifest in the appearance of the plants. Som.e appear 

 feeble and sickly, which the best nursing will not render pro- 

 ductive. The expense of seed, and the labor of pulling up 

 all but three or four of the strongest plants in a hill, it is be- 

 lieved will be amply remunerated by the increased product. 

 If the seed is covered c^s it should be with mould only, and 

 not too deep, we may at least calculate upon every hill or 

 drill having its requisite number of plants. 



' Tke after culture consists in keeping the soil loose and 

 free from weeds, which is ordinarily accomplished by two 

 dressings, and in thinning the plants, which latter may be 

 done the first hoeing, or partially omitted till the last. The 

 practice of ploughing among corn and of making large hills 

 is justly getting into disrepute ; for the plough bruises and 

 cuts the roots of the plants, turns up the sod and manure to 

 waste, and renders the crop more liable to suffer by drought. 

 The first dressing should be performed as soon as the size 

 of plants will permit, and the best implement to precede 

 the hoe is the corn harrow, adapted to the width of the rows, 

 which every farmer can make. This Avill destroy most of 

 the weeds, and pulverize the soil. The second hoeing 

 should be performed before or as soon as the tassels appear, 

 and may be preceded by the corn harrow, a shallow fur- 

 row with the plough, or, what is better than either, by the 

 cultivator. A slight earthing is beneficial, provided the 



* Messrs. Pratts, of Madison county, New York, obtained the prodi- 

 gious crop of o.ie hundred and seventy bushels per acre, and used seven 

 bushels of seed to the acre, the plants being subsequently reduced to the 

 requisite number. 



