1840.] SENATE— No. 36. 87 



near the surface and consequently liable to be thrown entirely 

 out. There is clanger, however, of sowing too deeply, so that 

 the seed is placed beyond the reach of the warmth of the sun 

 and air, as without this warmth no healthy vegetation can take 

 place. From two to three inches would be deep enough, if it 

 were practicable accurately to reach that depth. 



It is often a question, whether wheat should be ploughed in 

 or simply harrowed. Where the crop is to be winter wheat, it 

 is well, when the ground is prepared and the wheat sowed, to 

 plough it in at right angles with the course of the prevalent 

 winter winds. In this way, the seed will be thrown into the 

 furrow, and when it comes up will be sheltered and protected 

 in a degree from the cold. 



Winter wheat, after the ground becomes dry, and especially 

 if the soil is close and heavy, may be harrowed in the spring, 

 even once or twice, to advantage. Some of the plants may be 

 torn up by the operation ; but I know, from repeated trials, 

 that they will be many fewer than Avould generally be appre- 

 hended ; and a most ample compensation will be found in the 

 loosening of the ground about the others, and rendering it open 

 to the admission of light, and air, and warmth. 



With respect to spring wheat, it is greatly benefited by the 

 fine tilth of the ground, so that it may extend its roots freely : 

 and by the accession of the air, from v/hich it may imbibe the 

 oxygen, which it then particularly needs. This solves the 

 secret of the success of the farmer in Lenox, in harrowing his 

 spring wheat for several days in succession after it was sown 

 and after it had germinated, and thus keeping the ground quite 

 loose and open. A very intelligent and successful farmer in 

 Sheffield, upon whose authority I place great reliance, says, 

 that by this process wheat may be forwarded in its growth at 

 least five days beyond what it would be if left untouched. 

 This renders it a matter of much importance. 



Ploughing for Wheat. — Questions have arisen respecting 

 the mode of ploughing for wheat ; some preferring to have the 

 furrow shut in so that the ground may be laid completely 

 flat ; and others preferring that the furrows should be laid lap- 



