The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1881-09-24
OH @armer,
SEEDING WHEAT.

The most important thing about wheat
growing is getting the seed in the ground.
1t is common practice, much to be con-
demned, of putting off seeding of wheat
until the last moment. The contrary
direction should be followed, and instead
of deferring seed-sowing until all other
work is done, there should be an endeavor
to get the seed in at least by the first of
October.
In the first place p!ow deeply, not less
than six inches, and, if possible, on stiff,
clay lands let the subsoil pIow be used.
This answers two purposes. 1t opens the
land deeply, letting down the excess of
water when we are visited with 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 the
action Of frosts, which throws the plants
up when the land thaws in the spring.
Wheat that has been in the ground long
enough to secure good root-hold 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, SO
should we change seed in order to get the
best results. There have been many new
varieties introduced of late that are worthy
of a trial, but such should be tried on a
small scale before making it general
Certain kinds are adapted to particular
localities, and the farmers experience
should guide him in that respect But
under no circumstances should seed be
sown that has not passed a complete iu-
spection.
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 for weeks in picking
over it carefully and rejecting every un-
sound or imperfect grain, frequently using
a magnifying glass to facilitate the opera
ton. In this country we cultivate on too
large scale to use such means, but, how
ever, as there is considerable time during
evenings between now and October the
spare time might be proftably 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 it is well up, and also again in the
spring Drilling is preferable to broad
casting, and the roller can advantageously
be used where the land is lumpy or clog
ged.
Did it ever occur to farmers that wheat
can be cultivated with profit? We have
the authority of the Patent Office Report
on Agriculture that an Englishman plant
ed wheat one foot apart each way, manur-
ed and used the hoe on it, with return
of over 100 bushels to the acre. This
does not seem credible, but there is no
doubt the cultivation Of wheat would pay
in the increased yield by such method,
as is evineed by the effects of frequent
narrowing.
1t is recommended, if good yield is
desired, to sow early, select the plumpest
aud cleanest seed, harrow as often as pos
sible aud manure we'll
With good preparation of the land, and
extra care and Judgment in seeding, the
farmer need not fear next years perform
anee with his wheat crop.