The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1900-10-02
GROWING WHEAT.

ga, VINO COnGfl DuG6Q an interesting
article on alfalfa to our last issue,
writes the following interesting ar
tlcle on wheat to a recent issue of
one Of our exchanges. This is a sub
ject of unusual interest just at this
time and we are glad to copy Prof.
HunnicUtt's letter as follows:
This is the greatestIof all the bread
crops. We should study it's nature
and adaptations so that we can ad-
dress ourselves to wheat growing in
diligently. Wheat generally means
winter wheat. Spring wheat is only
adapted to limited localities Winter
wheat is biennial plant. Itrequires
part of two years in reaching full
maturity. It needs the fall Of one
year for root development, and the
spring of another year for seed de-
velOpment. AS root development
must come first, this is the most i'm
portant part for us too look after. 1t
this is perfect, then there may be a
full seed crop. But if from any cause
the root development is incomplete,
the grain will be cut short.
SOWING THE GRAIN.
We now see that the manner of
sowing the grain is very important.
The roots must have time and room
and food, or they will not reach full
growth. The time should be about
six months, and hence should begin
as early as practicable in fall, so as
to reach the greatest possible growth
before mid-winter checks them. Sep
tember in most Of this country would
be the best time, all things cOnsid-
cred. But local conditions often
change this. The Hessian fly must
be considered. If we SOW too early
this fly may cause great damage and
sometimes complete ruin. They are
much worse where there is grass
upon the land, and much less trouble
some after any crop that has re-
quired clean culture. Hence it is
often a matter of great Importance
what crop to follow. Cotton gives
the best possible preparation for
wheat But the cotton crop does
not mature early enough, hence
many prefer to follow corn. Peas
are better. They leave the soil in
excellent condition mechanically,
and store away ammonia for the use
of the wheat. A clover sod is the
best of all rotations.
PREPARATION OF SOIL BEDS.
Wheat roots desire to go down
four and one-half to five feet in the
earth, seeking water and food. This
they will do if the hardpan is broken
thoroughly. Deep plowing and sub
soiling and repeated harrowings will
all pay. The cultivation must be
done before sowing the seed. A
deep mellow root bed is of prime inn
portance. If the soil bed is perfect
the danger from rust is almost en-
tirely avoided. If to this deep and
thorough preparation we add lib
eral use Of acid phosphate and pot
ash we have an ideal seed bed. Vari-
Gus experiments show that this is a
vital point in successful wheat grow
ing. In bed thus prepared the
roots of wheat sown in September
and early part of October reach such
a wonderful development that there
is little danger of winter killing. The
roots are so numerous, deep and
strong that they will resist success
fully the power of frost. Again, the
top will be 50 far advanced as to fur
nish a good covering over the soil.
This green covering keeps the soil
warm.
Wheat thus sown will have four
times the root development of wheat
sown in November. For the South
this is a matter of first Importance.
SELECTING SEED.
There is a great difference in the
yielding power of different varieties
of wheat. Rust is the great enemy.
Hence, a rust proof variety should
be secured if possible. The further
South we go, the greater danger
from rust. At present the "Red
Amber" and Turkish Red seem to
be leaders along this line.
Too much care cannot be given to
this point. When ready to SOW, the
seed should, be washed in very hot
water, or in a solution of bluestone,
so as to destroy smut. spores or