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the proportions of a field crop on a large scale, since 
varieties of it appear to suit all local conditions, 
though good crops can only be grown on good soil. 
Soils. The best soils for maize are the rich, 
light, sandy loams which are found 
along the banks of most of our rivers ; but any fairly 
open-textured soil, provided that it is well supplied 
with organic matter, is capable of producing a good 
crop. Peaty soil must be avoided and heavy clays 
are not suitable unless intensive methods of cultiva- 
tion are employed, which, as a rule, are too costly. 
’Cultivation-. The crop responds readily to cultiva- 
tion, so that the land should be 
thoroughly dug over and cleared of all weeds and 
roots. The seed is usually dibbled into shallow 
holes 2 inches deep, spaced about 9 — 12 inches apart 
in lines, which are marked off at intervals of 3 feet. 
Generally 3 seeds are dropped in each hole and 
lightly covered with soil by the foot of the sower. 
Surface cultivation between the lines is advan- 
tageous throughout the growing period. Seed is 
rarely broadcasted. 
Crops. The crop matures in 2^ — 6 months 
according to the variety. Yields de- 
pend entirely on the richness of the soil, freedom 
from the ravages of pig, and suitable weather, but 
an average rate of yield of 600 lbs. per acre may 
be expected from medium soils. The best soils, like 
those on the banks of the Perak River, are capable 
of yielding at the rate of 1,800 lbs. or more per 
acre. Two or three crops can be grown successively 
on the same soil with good results, but rotation of 
crops is highly beneficial. The cobs when ripe must 
be well dried and stored in closed receptacles, as 
they suffer badly from weevils. 
