Culture of spring Wheat. J 93 



VI. 



Spring Wheat. By Mr. William Speechly. 



My Lord, 



It is highly probable that the cultivation of spring wheat will, in the general, prove 

 an eligible expedient ; and indeed in times of scarcity it may constantly become a 

 measure of absolute necessity. 



But the quantity of spring wheat requiring annually to be sown will depend on 

 various circumstances, particularly the following : 



First, The prospect and appearance of the autumnal sown crop of wheat in 

 the spring. 



Secondly, The price of wheat at the time being. 



Thirdly, The stock of corn on hand. 



Lastly, The probable prospect of obtaining a supply of wheat from abroad. 



First, Whenever there is a general appearance of defect or deficiency in the 

 autumnal sown crop in the early spring months, whether from the preceding seed- 

 time having been unfavourable, — from the severity of the winter, — from long con- 

 tinued rainy seasons, — or from whatever cause ; in such case, spring wheat ought 

 to be sown in such proportion as may suffice for yielding a produce equivalent to 

 such seeming defect or deficiency. 



Secondly, At any future period when wheat may bear a high price in the spring, 

 it will constandy be found that this circumstance alone will operate more with the 

 farmer than every other cause herein stated united : and will, it may be presumed, 

 without any stimulus from the Board of Agriculture, induce him to sow spring 

 wheat with a liberal hand. 



Thirdly, Should the stock of wheat on hand prove scanty, or of inferior quality, 

 either from mildew, or from the preceding season having been unpropiiious, such 

 circumstance would also tend to show the necessity of having recourse to the sowing 

 of spring wheat, in order to augment the stock. 



Lastly, In time of scarcity of corn in this island, whether from an unfavourable 

 season, from mildew, or from whatever cause, in such case it will at all times be highly 

 important for to be generally known, whether such cause or causes may have also 



VOL. v, Co 



