MODES OF SOWING THE SEED. 51 



" This error of sowing irregularly has often, without 

 doubt, had an unfavourable effect on the system of sowing 

 in rows. Because if the uniform drills are not adopted in 

 cultivating in rows, it is not astonishing that the results 

 have been more favourable to sowing at random than to 

 sowing in rows. 



" All farmers may have observed with what tenacity the 

 plants in rows keep in the ground, compared to those 

 sown broadcast ; this tenacity arises from the seeds having 

 all been placed at the same depth in the soil, and accord- 

 ingly all the plants are equally well rooted ; whereas by 

 sowing broadcast, too thickly, the irregularity of harrow- 

 ing brings about a great inequality in the depth of soil 

 covering ; the weakest die, and give place to the stronger, 

 until a proper proportion is left for each square. 



' After having weighed all arguments for and against 

 the sowing and the after culture and cultivation in rows, 

 and by keeping count also of the very imperfect manner in 

 which they have been very frequently done, and after hav- 

 ing done the same for sowing broadcast, we think the 

 conclusion is, that the advantage is decisively on the 

 side of cultivation in drills. 



In 1786, Mr. Amos, a very clever cultivator of the last 

 century, published his experience on the two systems of 

 cultivation. For wheat he got the following results, the 

 details of the expense of cultivation omitted 



A hectare sown in drills. 



Produce 31 hectolitres, 94 litres, at 18 fr., 97^ the 



hectolitre, . . . fr. 616 69 



Expenses Hire, seeds and expenses for cultivation, 161 44 



Balance, fr. 255 25 



A hectare sown broadcast. 

 Produce 26 hectolitres, 95 litres, at 18 fr., 97^ the 



hectolitre, . . . . fr. 513 94 



Expenses Hire, seeds and expenses for cultivation, 165 85 



Balance, fr. 348 06 

 In favour of cultivation in drills, . fr. 107 19 



