SOWING. 189 



beans is found a profitable practice. By this mode 

 the seeds are more regularly disposed none are 

 buried and a considerable quantity saved. 



Broadcasting, notwithstanding the very exact 

 manner in which it can be performed by expert 

 seedsmen, is liable to irregularity; not only from 

 wind which may prevail, but from the inequality of 

 the surface of arable land. Every hollow, and the 

 furrows between the lands or ridges, always receiving 

 more than their share of seed ; if not from the sower's 

 hand, certainly from the action of the harrows. 

 Unequal distribution occasions unequal growth, and 

 consequently an unequal sample of grain. Seeds 

 generally, and corn particularly, should neither be 

 sowed too thick or too thin. If the former, every 

 part of the plant is drawn and diminutive ; if the 

 latter, on rich land, the corn becomes over-luxuriant 

 liable to be laid more subject to blight and 

 though the grain may be larger, it is always inferior 

 in quality. 



Woods are sometimes raised from seeds. This is 

 practicable ; but the success depends entirely on the 

 necessary preparation being complete, i. e. perfect 

 cleanness of the land so to be occupied. No weeds 

 should have a previous hold of the soil, otherwise 

 they will materially check, if not even destroy, the 

 seedling plantation. Subsequent care and attention 

 must be bestowed to prune and encourage the supe- 

 riors draw out supernumeraries and remove all 

 worthless encumbrances. 



