ECONOMIC PLANTS 



197 



The best time to kill weeds is before they have made 

 much growth. Frequent and shallow early cultivation 

 effectively destroys the weeds and forms a dust mulch 

 to prevent surface evaporation. Aside from these two 

 things, the farmer can do nothing to better his crop 

 after the selection of the seed is made and the planting 

 done. Hot days during the growing period, bright sun- 

 shine and plenty of it, and abundant rainfall consti- 

 tute good corn weather, but these are not under man's 

 control. 



The corn is now usually harvested by cutting to the 

 ground while still comparatively green, and putting it 



FIG. 102. Corn Harvester. 



up in shocks of good size, securely tied at the top. 

 When the stalks, or stover, are well cured, the corn is 

 usually ready to husk. It should be stored in cribs 



