352 FIELD CROPS FOR THE COTTON-BELT 



also required when the crop is sown in drills for soiling 

 purposes. 

 436. Harvesting. Barley should be harvested before 



FIG. 60. Loose smut of barley, showing five 

 smutted heads at various stages of development 

 and for comparison a sound barley head. 



it is entirely ripe, if discoloration from the rain and dews 

 is to be avoided. At this stage the beards will be less 

 annoying than when the crop is dead ripe. If the bundles 

 are promptly shocked and capped, ripening will proceed 

 after harvest, and an excellent quality of grain can be 



