Lime 



is needed, especially in soils that have become sour on account of con- 

 tinued cropping. Soil deficient in lime is dull and stupid, and the wheat 

 stalks are long-jointed and slender, a condition that causes them to 

 crinkle. When the soil seems to be devoid of life, a test should be made, 

 and if lime is needed, it should be supplied in the form of raw limestone 

 ground to a fine powder. 



Seed 



In selecting wheat for seed, several important things should be taken 

 into consideration: 



1. It should be suited to the climate. 



2. A variety and strain which is free from diseases and resists dis- 

 eases. 



3. Wheat that has the greatest yielding power and best milling 

 properties. 



4. Grain that is free from weed seeds and other growths. 



The farmer should keep in mind that regardless of variety, the seed 

 should be plump and healthy. Plump seed, however, without con- 

 sistency and weight is not desirable. 



While wheat that has been burned in the stack or bin, sprouted in the 

 shock, harvested before ripe or frosted before fully matured, will germi- 

 nate, it does not possess the vitality needed to throw out strong initial 

 roots rapidly and a robust stem. A weak germination will result in a 

 short, delicate root and a sickly stem, a condition which is reflected 

 throughout the entire life of the plant. 



Experiments have shown that where all the light and defective kernels 

 are discarded, that the yield is increased from thirty to forty per cent. 



As an evidence of what may be accomplished by selecting good seed 

 we give Hallett's experiments. For five years he selected the best head 

 produced from the grains of the best previously selected head : 



First Year _ ^ _ 

 Second Year 

 Third Year 

 Fourth Year . 

 Fifth Year... 



Original Ear 



Finest Ear Raised 



Finest Ear Raised 



Heads Imperfect 



Finest Ear 



133 



Number of 



Grains on One 



Ear 



47 

 79 

 91 



123 



Number of 



Ears on 

 One Root 



