224 DRY-FARMING 
In general the rule may be laid down that a little 
more than one half as much seed should be used in 
dry-farm districts with an annual rainfall of about 
fifteen inches than is used in humid districts. That 
is, as against the customary five pecks of wheat used 
per acre in humid countries about three pecks or even 
two pecks should be used on dry-farms. Merrill 
recommends the seeding of oats at the rate of about 
three pecks per acre; of barley, about three pecks; 
of rye, two pecks; of alfalfa, six pounds; of corn, 
two kernels to the hill, and other crops in the same 
proportion. No invariable rule can be laid down 
for perfect germination. A small quantity of seed is 
usually sufficient; but where germination frequently 
fails in part, more seed must be used. If the stand 
is too thick at the beginning of the growing season, 
it must be harrowed out. Naturally, the quantity of 
seed to be used should be based on the number of 
kernels as well as on the weight. For instance, since 
the larger the individual wheat kernels the fewer in a 
bushel, fewer plants would be produced from a bushel 
of large than from a bushel of small seed wheat. 
The size of the seed in determining the amount for 
sowing is often important and should be determined 
by some simple method, such as counting the seeds 
required to fill a small bottle. 
