FOOD FOR PLANTS 191 



doubtful charges. What is character worth, if you 

 make it cheap by crediting everybody? 



Agree beforehand with every man about to do a 

 job, and, if large, put it into writing. If any decline 

 this, quit, or be cheated. Though you want a job 

 ever so much, make all sure at the outset, and in case 

 at all doubtful, make sure of a guarantee. Be not 

 afraid to ask it — the best test of responsibility — for, 

 if offence be taken, you have escaped a loss. 



How Deep in the Ground to Plant Corn. 



The following is the result of an experiment with 

 Indian Corn. That which was planted at a depth of 



1 inch, came up in Sy^ days. 



ly^ inches, came up in 9^ days. 



2 inches, came up in 10 days. 



2%, inches, came up in 11 1/^ days. 



3 inches, came up in 12 days. 



3%, inches, came up in 13 days. 



4 inches, came up in 13^ days. 



The more shallow the seed was covered with earth, 

 the more rapidly the sprout made its appearance, and 

 the stronger afterwards was the stalk. The deeper 

 the seed lay, the longer it remained before it came to 

 the surface. Four inches was too deep for the maize, 

 and must, therefore, be too deep for smaller kernels. 



How Grain Will Shrink. 



Farmers rarely gain by holding on to their grain 

 after it is fit for market, when the shrinkage is taken 

 into account. Wheat, from the time it is threshed. 



