IS 



more directly and abundantly to the thirsting roots. 

 My conviction, that the surface of the ground a- 

 lone should be stirred, leads me to refer to the instru- 

 ments of cultivation. The plough is fast giving place 

 to the cultivator. This exchange may be advanta- 

 geous. But I am not satisfied that it is the best ex- 

 change that might be made. The form of the cul- 

 tivator teeth does not suit me ; it carries them too 

 deep ; they rend the roots of the corn too much. 

 Many months ago, the query arose in my mind wheth- 

 er the size of crops which I had witnessed, was not 

 augmented by the use of a harrow in the cultivation. 

 Since that time I have noticed with care such ac- 

 counts as have come to me of large crops, and have 

 been surprised to find that in most of the instances in 

 which a very extraordinary yield had been obtained, 

 the corn was harrowed. I throw out these opinions 

 in the hope that some one will be induced to bring 

 my theory to the test of experience, and ascertain 

 by some careful experiment the soundness or un- 

 soundness of my conclusion. 



One other topic in relation to this crop, demands 

 a passing notice. If any faith can be placed in the 

 testimony of those who have endeavored to ascertain 

 the exact effects of taking the top of the stalk from 

 the growing, or rather ripening corn, the farmers of 

 Essex are not accustomed to pursue the best course. 

 Experiment is said to teach, that when the corn, as 

 soon as it has become a little hardened, is cut up at 

 the root and shocked, the yield is greater than when 

 left to stand with the stalk uncut until it is fully 

 ripened ; and that this latter method gives a larger 



