CORN 187 



in the two cases. However, drilling is regarded as pref- 

 erable if the corn is to be used for silage, as by planting 

 the kernels closer together in the rows, the growth may 

 be made less rank and woody and harvesting machinery 

 will run more smoothly. Drilling may also be preferred 

 in case the field is irregular in shape so that checking is 

 difficult or in case it is notably free from weeds so that 

 cross cultivation is unnecessary. 



(3) It may be listed; i.e., planted in the bottom of a 

 furrow, made by a special implement known as a hster, 

 which is really a plow with two mold boards, which turn 

 the ground to right and left. This practice prevails 

 generally in the regions lacking ample rainfall. After the 

 permanent root systems of the young plants have formed, 

 the furrow is gradually filled up and in this way the roots 

 are virtually sent down to moisture. It is a highly success- 

 ful method, inasmuch as it results in notably increased 

 yields in many parts of the western border of the Corn 

 Belt. 



The seed is usually drilled in the lister furrow by a special 

 attachment to the lister, or by a single drill or planter. 



124. The Time of Planting. — The date of planting 

 corn in any locality is determined by a munber of factors, 

 among which are the following: 



(a) Latitude. 



(6) Weather Conditions. Cold spring rains frequently 

 delay planting. 



(c) Temperature of the Soil. This, rather than arbi- 

 trary dates on the calendar, is the most reliable guide as 

 to when planting should be done. In general, the tem- 

 perature of the ground should have reached at least fifty- 

 five degrees Fahrenheit. 



(d) Quality of Seed. Seed that is known to be capable 



