232 
THE SEED AND THE SEEDLING 
them germinate normally, as well as how many to plant in a 
given area. 
When his crops are above ground, many of them, corn for 
example, must be cultivated. In cultivating, three objects 
are kept in view, (1) to keep the soil loose enough for the 
roots to penetrate it easily, (2) to conserve moisture, (3) 
to kill weeds. 
Thinning and Transplanting. — Crops like garden vege¬ 
tables will not grow to full size unless each one has sufficient 
room. On the other hand, a greater yield can be secured 
by transplanting to fill all vacant spaces. Transplanting 
tomatoes, peppers, and other plants grown in greenhouses 
makes it possible to secure ripe fruit earlier than if they were 
first planted out of doors after danger of frost. 
