The Weekly Kansas chief. [volume] (Troy, Kan.) 1872-1918, 1881-08-18
for the tfariller.

As September is nearly here, which reminds us
that the leaves are about TO turn yellow, far
mers will soon be ploughing wheat land. The
most important thing abont wheat-growing is
getting the seed in the ground. Ii lisa common
practice, much Is be condemned, of putting of
the seeding of wheat until the last moment. The
contrary direction should be followed, and in
stead of defering vheat-sowing until all other
work is done, there should be an endeayor TO
get the seed in by the first of October.
In the first place, plough deeply, not less than
six inches, and, il possible, stiff clay lands Jet
the subsoil plough be used. This answers t,xo
purposes. 1t opens the land deeply, letting down
the excess of water when we are visited by hea-
Wy rains, and allows the roots TO penetrate easily
TO secure n firm hold. Sow early, for then the
plants have time to bed themselves and sccfre
= firm foundation against the 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 foot-hold is ut 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 he carefully selected As we
prize "fresh blood in live stock, 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 trial, but such should
be tried on a small scale, before making II gen.
eral. Certain kinds are adapted to particular
localities, and the farmers experience should
guide him in that respect. But under no circum-
stances should seed be sOwn that has not passed
q complete inspection. In England, when they
wish TO avoid cookie or other noxious weeds the
seed is brought into the house, and the whole
family are employed rejecting every unsound or
imperfect grain, frequently using a magnifying
glass to facilitate the operation. In this coun-
try we cultivate on too large a scale to use such
means, but, however, as there is considerable
time during evenings between now and October,
the spare time could be proftably spent in over
looking 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 it is well up, and
also again in the spring. Drilling is preferable
to bfoadcasting ard the roller can advantage
ously he used where the land is lumpy or clogged.
Did it ever occur to farmers that wheat can
be cultivated with profit; We have the author
ity of the patent Office report agriculture that
an Englishman planted wheat one foot apart
each way, MANFRED, and used the hoe on it,
with a return of over 100 bushels to the acre.
This does not seem credible, but therei is no doubt
that the cultivation of wheat would pay in the
increased yield by sech method, as is eyinced by
the effects of frequent narrowing.
1t is recommended, if good yield is desired,
to SOW early, select the plumpest and cleanest
seed, harrow as often as possible, and manure
well. With good preparation of the land, and
extra care and Judgment in seeding, the farmer
need not fear next years performance with his
wheat croD