204 



FARM CROPS 



custom is to let it reseed itself each spring. If this 

 is not done it soon runs out. When cut for hay, 

 from I to 2 tons an acre are produced. 



RICE. — A grass plant grown principally for 

 human food. The crop is most largely grown in 

 Louisiana and Texas, but the Carolinas and Georgia 

 have at different times grown considerable quanti- 

 ties of this crop. The three main varieties culti- 

 vated in this country are the Japan, the Honduras 

 and the Carolina. The Japan varieties have short 

 oval berries, but the plants differ in habits of 

 growth, days of maturity, and other physical fea- 

 tures. The Honduras rice is large in size, has a 

 rich kernel and yields heavily. The same may be 

 said of the Carolina varieties. The Japan varieties 

 lead in milling qualities. Red rice differs from the 

 varieties just named. The grains are red or 

 streaked with red. It is a very hardy variety and 

 noted for its vigor. On account of the demand for 

 white rice, this kind is not in favor in this country, 

 although in other countries it is much used. Wild 

 rice is a wild plant here and is not cultivated. It 

 is found in places where shallow water abounds. 

 Its use as a feed is very limited. It grows in the 

 low alluvial lands along the rivers in Louisiana and 

 Texas and in the bordering reclaimed swamps and 

 tight water lands, including all the territory most 

 given to rice. 



The soil for rice must be rich — a thick loam is 

 preferred. Previous to planting time, the most 

 thorough kind of preparation is necessary. The 

 soil must be firm and compact and possessed of 

 much water. The clay types are very good, if not 

 the best. Good drainage is desirable because this 

 permits of early planting and a good soil prepara- 



