COVER CROPS 



173 



as far north as New Orleans. A crop matures with 

 difficulty, the flowers being killed by either a frost 

 or a warm wave. "Buckwheat will mature in a 

 shorter period than any other grain crop, eight or 

 ten weeks being sufficient under favorable condi- 

 tions, it is thus well adapted to high altitudes and 

 short seasons. ' ' It leaves the ground in a peculiarly 

 well pulverized condition, and the large tap roots 

 go into the subsoil. (Corn. Bull., 238.) 



CORN. 



Sown broadcast corn makes a dense ground cov- 

 ering, and although it consumes more fertility and 

 moisture than any other grain, the after effects are 

 beneficial when plowed under. Its habits are well 

 understood. 



EMMER. 



Emmer resembles wheat in habits, appearance 

 and grain. Its capacity to thrive on poor soils and 

 the shortness of the growing period commend it as 

 a superior cereal. Varieties now being produced 

 will undoubtedly survive winter weather as far 

 north as Wisconsin. It will "make a good crop 

 with almost any condition of soil or climate." (U. 

 S. Bull., 139.) 



GRASSES. 



A number of horticulturists have devoted many 

 years to the study of orchard grasses for cover 

 crops and mulching. Some of their work is de- 



