INTRODUCTION. Vll 



prevent evaporation on the one side, and, on the 

 other, to prevent the roots from coming to the sur- 

 face. Roots naturally seek moisture, consequently 

 they will point downward if the soil is light and dry 

 above. 



A still more important point to be considered 

 in this connection is, that if the soil on the surface is 

 light and dry that beneath will always be moist, and 

 will not bake because there is no capillary attraction 

 to the surface. The ground should be worked as 

 deeply as possible, but the plow or harrow should 

 never go below the soil ; and it should not be fine on 

 the surface and coarse underneath, but alike to the 

 full depth. 



A light sandy soil should be worked when 

 rather wet in order that it may pack closely. The 

 tendency with sandy soils is to become too open and 

 loose, which allows the air to circulate through, it 

 and to carry off the moisture so essential to plant 

 growth. As with heavy soils, the surface should be 

 kept loose. Go over the surface with a rake or light 

 harrow very soon after every rain, and more fre- 

 quently if necessary. Do not cultivate to kill weeds, 

 but work the land so thoroughly that weeds cannot 

 grow. 



To get the most and best from a given acreage, 

 the plants must needs be set close. The soil is most 

 productive when every particle of it is furnishing 

 food for the plants growing in it. To that end, 

 when it is properly prepared, the seed should be 

 sown, or the plants set so closely that the surface 

 will soon become covered. This prevents evapora- 

 tion ; it also prevents the soil from becoming too hot 

 from the sun's rays. Between rows of plants that 



