The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1881-09-10
Seeding Wheat.

| The most important thing about wheat.
growing is getting the seed in the ground.
is common practice, much to be condemned
of putting off the seeding Of wheat until the
last moment. The contrary direction should
be followed, and, instead of deferring seed
sewing until all other work is done, there
should be an endeavor to get the seed in by
the first of October.
In the first place plough deeply, not less
than six inches, and if possible, on stuff clay
lands, let the subsoll plough be used. This
answers two purposes. 1t opens the land
deeply, letting down the excess of water when
we are visited by heavy rains, and allows the
roots to penetrate easily to secure firm hold
Sow early for then the plants have time to
bed themselves and secure firm foundation
against tho action of frOsts, which throw the
plants up when the land thaws in the spring
Wheat that has been in the ground long
enough to secure good foOthold is at least
over the greatest difficulty, and it Is only those
who have made the mistake of sowing late
that have been the heaviest sufferers.
The seed should be carefully selected. AS
we prize "fresh blood' IN live stock, 50 should
we change our seed in order to get the best
results. There have been many new varieties
introduced of late that are worthy of a trial,
hut such should be tried on a small scale be-
fore making 1t general. Certain klnCs Are
adapted to particular localities, and the farm.
er's experience should guide HIM in that re-
spect. But under no circumstances should
seed be sown that has not passed complete
inspection. In England, when they wish to
avoid cookie or other noXiOus weeds, the seed
is brought into the house and the whole fami
ly are employed rejecting every unsound or
imperfect grain, frequently using a magnify
ing glass to facilitate the operation. In this
country we cultivate on too large a scale to use
such means, but, however, as there is consider.
able time during evenings between now and
October the spare time could be profialbIy
spent in overlooking the seed. The utmost
care is necessary, and future labor will be
saved thereby.
Wheat should follow corn or root crops, as
they require clean cultivation, and the wheat
will be less liable to competition from weeds
Harrow the wheat as soon as II il well up, and
also again IN the spring. Drilling is prefer
able Ia broadcasting, and the roller can advan.
be used where the land is lumpyI
or clogged.
Did 1t ever occur to farmers that wheat can
he cultivated with profit? We have the au
;hority of the patent office report on agricul-
ture that an Engllshman planted wheat one
foot apart each way, MANFRED and used the
hoe on it, with a return of over one hundred
bushels to ihe acre. This does not seem cred.
Ible but there is no doubt that the cultivation OF
wheat would pay in the increased yield by
such a method, as is evnced by the effects of
frequent narrowing.
1t is recommended, if good yield is desired.
to sow early, select the plumpest and cleanestl
seed, herrow as often as possible and manurcl
well. With good preparation of the land, and
extra care and judgment IN seeding. the farm
er need not fear next years performance with
his wheat crop.-Cor. burlington X0nkeye.