INDIAN CORN OR MAIZE. 2g 



to germinate tlie seed quickly. Slowness of germi- 

 nation is more or less injurious to the crop, and 

 prolonged slowness of germination may be even 

 fatal to it. It is probably safe to conclude that the 

 season is sufficiently advanced for corn planting 

 to begin 'when apple blossoms are unfolding 

 their beautiful tints. It may be desirable to 

 have the season for feeding green corn as long as 

 possible. This may be brought about in one of two 

 ways : First, several varieties, which call for varying 

 periods in which to grow, may be planted at the same 

 time ; second, but one variety may be sown at inter- 

 vals not closer to each other than two or three weeks. 

 The second of these methods is preferable, since the 

 one variety selected may be the most suitable to grow 

 in that particular locality. When corn is grown as 

 soiling food for pigs, the aim should be to secure 

 m.uch grain rather than abundant growth of stem 

 and leaves. It should therefore be planted in hills, 

 or rows, as corn is usually grown, to provide ears. 

 From eight to twelve quarts of seed will suffice to 

 plant an acre, and, as previously intimated, the sweet 

 varieties are to be given the preference. 



Cultivation. — The harrow and the cultivator 

 are the instruments chiefly used in cultivating corn 

 for soiling. Owing to the short period required by 

 corn to grow, it is seldom necessary to use the hand 

 hoe, when a sufficient use has been made of the har- 

 row. The corn ground should be harrowed a few 

 days subsequently to the planting of the seed. It may 

 be necessary to harrow twice before the plants appear 

 when the germination is tardy, but once is usually 

 sufficient. The crop should be harrowed at intervals 



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