138 THE TEMPERATURE OF THE SOIL [chap. v. 



to draw nutrient material from the soil; assimilation, 

 however, continues after the plant has ceased to feed ; 

 finally, maturation — the removal of the previously- 

 elaborated material into the seed — begins earlier and 

 can be more thoroughly accomplished. Hence grain 

 from an early soil is, on the whole, characterised by 

 a higher proportion of carbohydrate to albuminoid, 

 always provided that no excessive or premature dry- 

 ing-out has taken place, for that ripens off the grain 

 before the transference of starch has been completed 



