VEGETABLES DESCRIPTION AND CULTURE. 327 



as above. Hoe deeply and often while young, and draw 

 the earth each time a little about the stalk; but after the 

 plant is six inches high, shallow surface culture, killing 

 the w T eeds and loosening the surface without cutting the 

 main roots, is all that is needed. 



Corn is a gross feeder, and cannot get too much manure. 

 A sprinkling of guano about the hill is beneficial, if it 

 does not touch the seed. Growth is much improved by 

 giving the plants, at their first hoeing, a teaspoonful of 

 gypsum to each hill, or a pint of ashes, or as much of the 

 charcoal poudrette. Chickens, birds, and squirrels can be 

 prevented from pulling up the corn by soaking it in water 

 twelve hours before planting, then stirring the seed 

 briskly in a vessel containing a little tar mixed with 

 warm water; thus giving each grain a thin coat. After 

 which, for convenient handling, it is to be rolled in as 

 much ashes, gypsum, or lime as it will take up. One-half 

 bushel of corn requires a pint of tar and a gallon of warm 

 water, with as much ashes as will stick to the grain. It is 

 effectual against birds, squirrels, etc., while the seed 

 vegetates freely, if previously soaked. 



For Seeds. — Select the best ears from stalks that bear 

 more than one. 



Use. — Indian corn is prepared in a greater variety of 

 ways for the table than any other grain. In fact, the 

 modes of preparation alone would almost fill a volume. 

 That from the garden is mostly boiled green. Green corn 

 can be very easily preserved for winter use, by cutting off 

 the kernels after boiling, and drying in a shaded, airy 

 place. Or, cut the corn off the cob, and put it in a stone 

 jar, with a handful of salt to a pint of corn. When the jar 

 is full, put a weight on it. When you wish to use it, re- 

 move a little of the top, and wash and soak it over night. 

 Sugar corn is the best for this purpose. 



