170 FARM CROPS 



which are of fine quality. A rich soil is wanted, 

 but in dry regions the kafir corn and ordinary 

 sorghums are more popular than this forage plant. 

 It is used only for soiling or as a fodder. 



MUSKMELONS. — In growing melons the 

 ground should be prepared about the same as for 

 corn. It should be marked off 4 feet each way, 

 using a one-horse turning plow, one way, furrow- 

 ing out rows to the depth of about 6 inches. Use 

 about one scoopful of well-rotted stable manure to 

 three or four hills, being careful to get manure 

 well down. Cover with soil and press it down well, 

 then drop seed on top of same, covering about i 

 inch deep. If troubled with mice taking seed, they 

 can be controlled to a great extent with poison. 

 Commence cultivation within a few days after 

 planting; deep at first, reducing the depth as the 

 plants come up and grow. When vines get too 

 much in the way for cultivation, turn them all one 

 way, keeping the cultivation up at least once a week 

 until they begin to ripen fruit, if the season is dry. 

 The cultivation should continue in proportion to 

 dryness of season. 



The greatest mistake in cultivating melons is 

 running implements too deep after vines commence 

 to spread. Remember the roots are near the top 

 of the soil, spreading out from the hill about the 

 same as the vines. After vines get a foot in length, 

 the depth of cultivation should be reduced to not 

 over I inch. 



OAT GRASS.— See Tall Oat Grass. 



OATS. — The oat crop ranks second in yield and 

 third in acreage in the United States. But we 

 usually take this important and sturdy assistant 

 as a matter of course; we slightly appreciate its 



