220 SCHOOL AND HOME GARDENING 



ing, planting, cultivation, choice and testing of seed must 

 all be done by the contestant. 



Preparation of Soil. — If possible the ground for corn 

 crops should be plowed very early. If plowing is done several 

 weeks before planting time, the soil may be worked as deep 

 as the good soil extends. 



Harrowing should immediately follow the early spring 

 plowing. It should continue at intervals until planting time. 

 JSTever allow the ground to become hard or packed as the result 

 of heavy rains. Almost as soon as the free water is soaked 

 in, the next harrowing may take place. The effects of fre- 

 quent harrowing during the time between plowing and planting 

 are: (1) Sprouting and killing of numerous weed seeds and 

 the avoiding of a weedy field through the summer. (2) The 

 warming and airing of the soil so the seed corn will sprout 

 more prom23tly. (3) It prevents evaporation of water by the 

 formation of dust mulch. (4) It allows surplus water to 

 percolate or move downward in the soil for the future use of 

 the crop in dry weather. (5) It multiplies bacteria in the soil, 

 which, in turn, unlock plant-food for the growth of the corn 

 crop. 



Planting the Crop. — The depth for planting corn varies 

 with the condition and character of the soil. In medium 

 soil, which is not too dry, about two or three inches is usual. 

 The kernels should not all be dropped in one place if the 

 hill method is practiced. The kernels should be an inch or 

 more apart in the hill. 



Whether to use the hill method or the drill method will 

 depend upon the objects in view in the production of the crop. 

 If ears and not fodder are wanted, the hill method gives best 

 results. The corn is then planted in rows each way and culti- 

 vation may take place both lengthwise and crosswise of the 

 field. This plan is sometimes practiced to aid in the fighting 

 of weeds. By the drill method is meant the planting of corn 

 in rows so that a single stalk stands in a place; these may 



