Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1886 [PAGE 202]

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194 act as a mulch, checking evaporation in dry weather. Aside from the destruction of weeds, frequent cultivation of our porous prairie soils is less necessary than with more compact, tenacious clay soils. In all ordinary cases cutting or mutilating the roots is an evil; to some extent a necessary one, but to be reduced to a minimum. There are cases in which root pruning may be beneficial, but these are exceptional. Deep cultivation, especially close to the plants, should be given, if at all, while the corn is small. The later cultivation should be shallow. In 1885 we cultivated 40 acres, and in 1886 20 acres without the use of the shovel cultivators, mainly using the "Tower cultivators," which do not stir the earth more than two inches in depth. In each case the result was quite satisfactory. We make no effort to continue cultivation to the latest possible time.

HARVESTING T H E CROP.

A practically successful corn husking machine, taking the corn from the stalks as they stand in the field, would be of almost incalculable value to the farmers of Illinois. Not comparable with this, but still of very great value, would be a satisfactory machine for cutting the corn-stalks, either before or after the corn is removed. There are few greater losses in the agriculture of Illinois than that which comes from the common practice of leaving the corn-stalks in the field. It is probably abundantly safe to say that the value of the corn-stalks on an acre, carefully preserved and wisely fed, is equal to that of a ton of hay. The inconvenience of cutting and harvesting the crop has largely prevented its being utilized. When the fodder is to be fed there are advantages in the mediumsized varieties, and in thick planting. Good results come from cutting both fodder and corn with suitable machine, and feeding stalk and grain together. Corn can be cut and shocked earlier than many suppose, without injury. The fodder is very much better when cut early. Husking as soon as the corn is sufficiently matured has many advantages over doing the work later in the season. More can be done in a day. The weather is more pleasant, and more value can be secured from the stalks.

SELECTING AND KEEPING SEED.

The best time at which to select seed is in the early fall, before the crop is harvested. No harm will result if it be selected before fully matured. Selecting in this way, the character of the stalk and the comparative time of ripening can be observed—points impossible to determine after the crop is harvested. The one essential in keeping seed corn, is to have it thoroughly dried before extreme cold weather. Artificial heat, to a reasonable degree, in drying; keeping in a warm room; keeping the ears singly or in small clusters; these and many other things are helpful, because they better secure the desired result—getting rid of the surplus water so it will not freeze.