PLANTING. 89 



or four stalks in the hill covers the ground thoroughly, 

 smothering, to a certain degree, weeds in the latter part of 

 the season, and yielding maximum crops of grain and fodder. 

 On some soils, with plenty of manure, 30 inches have given 

 the best results, but not so invariably as 33 inches. At the 

 latter distance the ears will be as sound and well developed 

 as at a greater, but not so long; at the same time there will 

 be a larger number, making the yield the same. The fodder 

 is much superior to that grown at greater distance, stock 

 consuming it with little waste, as it is fully developed and if 

 cut at the proper time and properly cured makes superior 

 feed for cows." 



This probably applies to flint corn. For the 

 large western dent corn this distance is too 

 close. 



If .corn is to be planted in hills, in the North 

 as a rule 36x42 inches will prove satisfactory 

 for the large varieties; and if in drills, one 

 kernel every foot in drills 42 inches apart. In 

 the South these distances may be increased to 

 suit conditions. 



DriUs vs. hills.— Experimental work thus far 

 conducted indicates that it makes but little 

 difference, so far as yield is concerned, whether 

 corn is grown in drills or in hills. Cleaner cul- 

 tivation can be maintained with the hill sys- 

 tem, as the soil may be stirred on all sides of 

 the group of plants. A field of drilled corn, 

 however, by going up and down between the 

 rows, can be kept creditably free of weeds and 

 may require less labor in hoeing than will that 

 planted in hills. In New England and the 



