168 



SOUTHERN FIELD CROPS 



158. Date of planting. — In the southern part of the 

 Giilf States, east of Texas, com planting becomes general 

 about the first of March; and in the central part of the 

 Gulf States it is in full progress about the middle of March. 



Fig. 83. — Diagram op Young Corn Plants. 

 Showing that the depth of the crown, where most roots originate, is 

 nearly the same with shallow, medium, and deep planting. 



In the northern part of the same states most of the planting 

 is done in April. The corn planting season in all states 

 of the cotton-belt practically extends from about the first 

 of March to nearly the first of July. Bottom lands are 

 frequently not planted until May or later, while in the same 

 locality the preferred date for planting the uplands may 

 be some time in March. Planting made in June, even 

 on bottom lands, are usually less productive than those 

 made in May or earlier. A part of the corn is sometimes 

 planted late, in order to distribute the labor of cultivation 

 through a longer period. 



Only the seasons can determine whether in any given 



