1 84 ECONOMIC PLANTS 



grown in about equal proportions than where corn is 

 the sole or principal crop. 



" 3d. It can be successfully grown on rolling lands, 

 which, if continuously cultivated in corn, would soon 

 be ruined by washing. 



" 4th. It gives an opportunity to rotate with clover 

 which, while occupying the land, furnishes plant food 

 for successive crops, and is thus almost an essential in 

 any good rotation. 



" 5th. It can be easily stored. There is little risk 

 of injury from dampness, and almost no loss from 

 shrinkage. 



"6th. It furnishes the farmer a large bulk of straw, 

 which can be utilized for food, bedding, shelter, and as 

 an absorbent for liquids which would, without it, on 

 many farms be wasted. 



" yth. As wheat is exported to a large extent, and can 

 be held for one or more years if desired, it is less subject 

 to fluctuations in price than many other farm products, 

 and is not so likely to be depressed by an unusually 

 heavy crop." 



Production of Wheat. Europe produces annually 

 twice as much wheat as North America, not because of 

 having twice as much land devoted to the culture of the 

 grain, but because many European farmers, by better 

 cultural methods and the use of commercial fertilizers, 

 raise twice as many bushels an acre. The average an- 

 nual crop of the world is about three and one half bil- 

 lions of bushels, most of which is eaten by the human 

 race, it being too expensive to use as food for other 

 animals. Canada and Argentina are opening up large 

 areas rapidly and increasing the wheat yield of North 

 and South America. 



