14 



produce than that of topping the stalk. The differ- 

 ences have been so great as to make the matter one 

 of no small importance. Trials by measurement 

 have never been made under my own inspection, 

 but on each of the last two years I have seen the 

 process of topping and cutting at the root perform- 

 ed side by side, and have no hesitation in giving a 

 preference to the latter. The labor of harvesting 

 by this process is believed to be somewhat less than 

 by the other ; the stalks as a whole are quite as good ; 

 the danger of harm from severe frosts less ; and I 

 doubt not that the corn is more and better. We all 

 know that the other grains lose both in size and 

 sweetness by drying upon standing stalks ; and until 

 experiments have proved the contrary, the fair pre- 

 sumption is that corn will do the same, 



Grasses are usually forced to drag out a feeble 

 and protracted infancy among the overshadowing 

 and greedy grains. While delicate and tender as 

 they can be and live, the screen is removed and they 

 are laid bare to the scorchings of an August sun. 

 That they so often survive the hardships of their sit- 

 uation, is matter of surprise. They would doubtless 

 do better if sowed alone. I have no faith in the cor- 

 rectness of a common opinion, that they need some- 

 thing to protect them ; they are the hardiest plants 

 we cultivate ; and the protection which the grains 

 give, is too much like [the wolfs protection of the 

 lamb. Farmers, however, might not be wise in 

 abandoning to any great extent, their accustomed 

 course. The loss in one crop may be compensated 

 by the convenience and worth of the other. Oats, 



