CHAPTER XXXVI 

 CULTIVATORS 



Development. The development of the corn cultivator 

 exemplifies and typifies the development of agricultural 

 methods during the past century. Originally corn, or maize, 

 to be more accurate, was planted and cultivated almost 

 entirely with the hoe. Later, the single- or double-shovel 

 cultivator was introduced to assist the hoe. Still later the 

 straddle or single-row cultivator was developed. At the 

 present time the double-row cultivator is typical of modern 

 methods. The single- and double-shovel cultivators have 

 been discarded from field operations, and only the single- 

 and double-row cultivators are left. 



Selection of a Cultivator. Whether or not the double-row 

 cultivator can be made to do the same quality of work with 

 greater economy than the single-row is a question that many 

 farmers are trying to decide. The solution of this problem 

 will depend largely upon local conditions. It is unquestion- 

 ably true, however, that the successful use of the two-row 

 cultivator depends upon careful farming at all times in pre- 

 paring the ground and in planting and tending the crops. 

 The two-row cultivator is not an implement well designed 

 to select and destroy individual weeds, nor is it capable of 

 being adjusted to cultivate each hill of corn, regardless of 

 whether or not that hill may be in a straight row. The two- 

 row cultivator is used successfully where good farming sup- 

 plies fields comparatively free from weeds, well-prepared 

 seed beds, and straight corn rows. If this high-class farming 

 is practiced, the two-row cultivator will be found a necessary 



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