SOWING. 179 



thereof, becomes liable to be blown down by the wind 

 before the ears are perfect. 



Figure B shows the development of a grain of wheat 

 deposited at the proper depth. In this we see both 

 the fibres and first stem issue from the same end of 

 the grain ; the first spreading- themselves around, and 

 the latter rising- directly and vigorously into the air. 



The sketch at C is that of a seed buried two or 

 three inches deep. In this the first fibres are ejected 

 as in the last ; but, being 1 too far from the air, the 

 first internode of the ascending- culm is unnaturally 

 elongated; and at the proper depth the second joint 

 ejects the roots, which, with others produced from the 

 joints above, perfect the plant. As soon as the secondary 

 set of roots is formed, the first, being no longer useful, 

 immediately perishes. Here we may observe that, 

 though nature accomplishes her purpose of forming- 

 roots at the due depth from the surface, yet it is at 

 the expense of an unnecessary waste of power: and 

 moreover producing a delicate member peculiarly 

 liable to be the prey of insects and slugs in the soil 

 before the crown roots are formed. 



It is this circumstance which so plainly points out 

 the due depth at which wheat and other cereals 

 should be deposited : and furnishes a good practical 

 lesson to the farmer, never to sow before the harrows: 

 or if he drills, never to allow the shares to go deeper 

 than one inch into the ground ; or at least to see that 

 the seed be not covered more than one inch. 



There is another circumstance in respect of wheat 



N2 



