SMALL HOLDINGS 137 



this ascent of water is checked and evapora- 

 tion prevented, the loose soil acting as a mulch. 

 Thus the grov/th of crops is promoted dur- 

 ing dry weather by hoeing the surface soil 

 and keeping it in a loose condition. This 

 practice has been long abandoned in connec- 

 tion with grain crops on large farms owing 

 to the cost of labour, but the small holder 

 will find it a profitable if arduous under- 

 taking, for it will enable him to materi- 

 ally increase the weight and value of his 

 crops. 



