37S HORTICULTURAL IIANUAL. 



The selection of tools for culture in growing crops is also 

 important. A harrow, if it runs deep in mellow soil, con- 

 serves soil moisture. But on soils firmed by rains its 

 scratching and cutting the surface only hastens evapora- 

 tion. If not properly set and followed by harrowing to 

 level the surface, it is the same with the disc harrow. 

 When it opens wide grooves and leaves hard ridges 

 between, its use increases rather than retards evaporation. 



Pig. 102. — Planet Junior cultivator with pulverizer. 



The thought to be kept in mind is that a fine tilth to 

 the depth of three inches on established crops should be 

 continuous to hold moisture. 



Bailey aptly says : ' ' We neglect the saving of the early 

 rains, and gamble on the chance of having a rain when we 

 need it. It often happens that the dry countries suffer 

 least for water. How shall we save the water ? By hold- 

 ing it in the earth. If the earth is finely divided and yet 

 compact, the capillary pores or interstices will hold 

 enormous quantities of water. If, then, we break up 



