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. ]\Ierrill 

 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 ; l^ut 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 determinijig 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. 



