"of the corn, the goodness of the crop principally

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depends.

"A field of wheat, dibbled, or sown in equi-distant

rows by the drill plough, always makes a better appearance than one sown with the harrow. In the one, the pipe of communication is regularly of "the same length, but in the other, it is irregular; being either too long or too short."

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The elegant writer, whom I have thus largely quoted, says truly, that a noble field of instruction is here opened to our view; the double set of roots, thrown out by wheat, shewing clearly that the first set, formed from the seed itself, and shooting downwards, seek their nourishment and freshness from below, while the upper set, or coronal roots, receive theirs from the richer particles of the manure, which rise near the surface of the soil, also from top dressings, and from the influences of the atmosphere.

This theory appeared so plausible and consonant to common sense, that the Author, a few years back, was induced to plough in some fine seed of Dantzic wheat, about seven or eight inches deep.

It had been soaked, pickled and limed, and was in a rather pulpy, soft state; the consequence was, that being buried too deep, and the winter and spring proving cold and wet, a vast quantity of the seed rotted instead of germinating, and proved a very losing crop, much to his regret and mortification. It is of

the utmost importance to avoid running into extremes in the prosecution of any new experiment, how plausible soever it may appear. Had the seed been sown at four inches depth, it probably would have all germinated, or even had it been less soaked, and pickled a less time. But the intention was to have the seminal roots at as great a distance from the coronal roots, as possible, in order that their nourishment should be drawn from opposite sources.

The medium distance has ever since been followed from three to four inches, which appears to answer perfectly in this climate.

It may be well to notice, that nature has in some measure pointed out that wheat may be sown quite superficial, as self-sown wheat is frequently seen very rich, and fine, under which circumstances it may not have been buried, a quarter of an inch, even supposing the wind, and rain, to have favored its deposition.

Hence, it may be argued, that wheat does not require to be sown very deep, but that a medium depth, sufficient to protect it from frost, so as also to enable its distinct set of roots to seek their food in different channels, is the safest practice; the exact depth being a question of local experience, in relation with the nature of the soil and climate.

The extraordinary and valuable propensity of some varieties of wheat, to tiller, which others, will by no means do so much, is connected with this chapter.

One plant, from a single grain, of a downy variety, in 1833, threw out 32 tillers; all produced ears, with an average of 50 grains to each, or 1600 grains from one; an enormous produce, which no field cultivation could be fairly expected to attain, as it is not the extraordinary quantities, which art may produce, either by extreme care, subdivision, and transplantation, that should be brought under the consideration of farmers; but the fair and legitimate mode of husbandry, attainable to all who will devote to its pursuit, that industry and enquiry, without which, their art is a mere mechanical operation, throwing in a little seed, and leaving nature to do the rest. The average tillering on that productive variety I have alluded to, was fifteen on forty plants, clearly evincing a prolific habit which has since been established. To ascertain this prolific habit, was one of the great objects I had in view.

G

CHAPTER VI.

ON THE NECESSITY OF PRESERVING CROPS PURE.

SOME Corn factors have declared that it will be impossible to grow wheat in this country, of such fineness, whiteness, and beauty, as is raised in the Polish provinces of Volhynia, and Sandomir; unquestionably, if success should attend the British husbandmen in discovering a variety, as plump, white and thin-skinned, as the celebrated white sort, a small portion of which, forms the precious part of that which is imported under the name of "high mixed," it might prove an interference with their line of business; as the English baker would then look to the English farmer, for the most valuable meal he requires.

In almost every branch of Horticulture, or Floriculture, science, to meet the calls of luxury, has succeeded in triumphing over the impediments opposed to it by climate and distance. The pine, the peach, and melon, are grown in equal, nay some assert, in greater perfection in England, than the indigenous fruit; and the dahlia, geranium, and lily tribes, are more varied than in their native soils, and by seedlings are naturalised to ours.

These fruits and flowers are all classed, and named; so are apples, pears, gooseberries, and a multitude of other fruits. The "Coccagee," or "Siberian bitter sweet," may be recommended as the best for cider, and no good ciderist would think of mixing every apple of every colour, ripe and unripe, for his mill, but makes his selections from pure sorts, whose properties and qualities are known. Strange that the same attention to selection and purity, has been overlooked in that product which is the chief sustenance and comfort of the human race.

It only remains to discover those wheats, which will grow in this climate, without becoming flinty, or thick-skinned; and if they cannot be obtained of varieties from abroad, they may be got from seedlings at home.

The Gracious Author of all things, may have bounteously spread and multiplied this precious plant, for the very purpose of leading men to seek out, and discover those sorts, which are adapted for their respective climates; and patient research only, may be required to ensure success. May not some intelligent husbandman in Volhynia, perhaps only a shrewd practical farmer, have discovered one sort, which exactly suits its climate, as also the market it is intended for; and without having written a treatise on the subject may he not have distributed it as a precious boon to his countrymen? Is any corn factor prepared to say,