(aim 4 
the last year’s crop, and from those growing en stems 
which have had the largest number of ears. | After 
steeping it twenty-four hours in a strong solution of 
nitre, it should be planted.(1) 
There is some difference of practice, without any 
great difference of result, in the modes of planting. 
Furrows are sometimes made, at the distance’ of 
three or four feet from each other, and in one direc- 
tion only, and in these the seed is placed, fourteen or 
sixteen inches apart. At other times the field is fur- 
rowed both ways, and the seeds dropped and cover- 
ed at the points of intersection; while again two 
rows of beans or potatoes, or mangel wurzel, are in- 
terposed between as many rows of corn, This last 
practice is most conformable to theory, but the other 
methods generally prevail, and pnt sieiany beans or 
turnips form the under crops. 
Whatever method be adopted, the time of planting 
is that at which the earth first acquires the warmth 
necessary to vegetation, and which is sufficiently in- 
dicated by her spontaneous productions. If we plant 
earlier, the seed is apt to rot; if later, the ripening 
of the crop is hazarded. | 
No crop while growing requires. more attention 
than corn, and none better repays the labor bestow- 
edupon it. ‘I'he objects of this are two, to extirpate 
weeds and to keep the earth loose and open to the 
influences of the atmosphere. As soon, therefore, 
as weeds begin to show themselves, the surface of 
the field must be well harrowed. Plastering is the 
(1) See in Judge Peters’ Notices to young farmers, the effect of this solution on 
corn crops, 
