264 LKSSONS IN A<;KICI;LTURK 



rowed as soon as possible. A little extra work at this 

 time may prevent the formation of clods, and save ten 

 times as much trouble in trying to pulverize them later. 

 Three or four additional harrowings will usually put 

 the ground into first class shape for planting. In our 

 farm plan, as shown in Lesson I, we shall plant field 

 number 1 to corn. This has been in clover for two 

 years, and by deep plowing, rolling, and through har- 

 rowing we shall have a most excellent seed bed for our 

 corn. 



Planting the seed. It is better to check than to drill 

 when growing corn for grain, as it can be kept cleaner, 

 with a resulting larger yield. For fodder or silage, 

 drilled corn gives more tons of 'dry matter per acre and 

 is more easily handled by the corn binder. In some 

 of the states west of the Missouri River, where the soil 

 is light and rainfall scanty, listing gives the best re- 

 sults. 



The number of kernels to use per hill depends upon 

 the richness of the soil. On the average corn belt soils 

 three kernels per hill will give the best results. Very 

 rich soils can support four, while on poor soils two are 

 enough. It pays both in appearance and in ease of cul- 

 tivating to drive straight while planting and to have 

 the rows check straight crosswise. 



Early cultivation. As many harrowings as possible 

 should be given the corn between planting time and the 

 time it comes up. If heavy rains have packed the soil 

 or if it is badly infested with weeds, it will pay to fol- 

 low the planter marks with the cultivator before har- 

 rowing. 



