78 



THE WHEAT CULTHRIST. 



summer temperature of 66 deg. Fahr. and upward, em- 

 bracing a still larger area of the earth's surface for its 

 growth than that of wheat. 



" In Europe, on the coast of E'orway, and in Finland, 

 wheat is raised as far north as 61 deg., in favored spots ; 

 while the hardier cerealia, rye, oats, and barley, are cul- 

 tivated as high as 68 deg. north latitude. 



" The growth of grass or hay as an article of commerce 

 is less limited than wheat or the other cereals. It may 

 be said to flourish from the 38th to the 45th parallels of 

 latitude, although its limits in perfection are much less 

 extensive. The belt included within the parallels of 39 

 to 43 north, within the United States, having a mean 

 annual temperature from 47 deg. to 53 deg. Fahr., is its 

 most favorite region, where are produced the largest 

 quantities, and the best quality of butter and cheese. 

 South of 39 deg. north latitude, except in elevated re- 

 gions, grass is of an inferior quality, and not much cul- 

 tivated. In importance, as regards its value as an article 

 of commerce, it vies with the product of either wheat, 

 Indian corn, or cotton." 



Absukdities Exposed. 



I have great respect for historians and literary char- 

 acters, who have forgotten more than I ever expect to 

 know about certain things. But, when they write about 

 wheat, I happen to know when they assert facts that 

 can always be relied on, or whether their suggestions 

 are merely assertions which can never be shown to be 

 correct ; and which are not in perfect coincidence with 

 the experience of practical wheat-growers. 



When I was young, farmers were accustomed to state 



