11 



merely an individual opinion, and is given without a 

 desire that it should [deter any one from making ex- 

 periments. 



I have some theories or whims to state, relating to 

 our treatment of the growing corn. Both air and 

 light are thought to be serviceable to its roots ; if 

 so, it is a part of our business to keep the windows, 

 above them, open. You have all noticed that rains 

 and dews very soon form a slight crust upon the sur- 

 face of our land in tillage. When this is formed, 

 even but partially, it obstructs, somewhat, the pas- 

 sage of both air and light. In the short space of four 

 oi five days, be the weather ever so fair, the surface 

 of the ground we stir, will become very considerably 

 less pervious; passage ways should again be opened. 

 But we cannot spend all our time among the corn. 

 What then is our best mode of procedure ? These 

 subtile agents, if once admitted below the surface- 

 crust, will move obliquely to a considerable distance ; 

 so that merely [passing between the rows one way 

 with the cultivator, may be sufficient for furnishing a 

 temporary supply of light and air to all the roots. If 

 so, the labor of passing through the other way should 

 be deferred for a few days ; then after an interval of 

 a few more days use the hoe. At the proper time, 

 repeat the process. For thus, with an equal amount 

 of labor, applied on nine different days at intervals 

 of four or six days, your crop, if my theory is sound, 

 will be considerably more benefited, than if the la- 

 bor be all performed on three days, at intervals of a 

 fortnight or more. 



