152 COTTON 
the weeder. It runs shallow; its many teeth des- 
troy or cover all weeds; it thins the cotton; its 
complete soil-stirring makes a fairly effective 
mulch. You can use the weeder two or three 
times in cultivating the cotton crop, and if you do 
not have it, then use the smoothing harrow. 
We have many kinds of cultivators: some single, 
others double; some are shallow-goers while others 
creep along the surface slightly deeper. All of our 
improved cultivators are good. Do not hesitate in 
securing such as are needed, for they will quickly 
repay their cost in increased returns. 
And finally, the hoe: is it needed ? 
Once it was thought that every gentleman 
needed a sword, then a pistol. We may have use 
even today for the pistol and sword, but not for 
every-day clothes. So we have use for the hoe in 
cotton culture, but not until after the weeder and 
fine-tooth harrow have done their work. In some 
fields, some seasons, the hoe may be needed until 
the perfect planter comes; until cultural methods 
are more studied; then the hoe may go, with 
knighthood and chivalry, and be one of the things 
of memory. 
