Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 4, 1802).djvu/353

Rh Wheat, ripens a fortnight earlier than the common sort of that season.

IX. The Egyptian Wheat is remarkable for its uncommon fruitfulness: its straw is strong and tough, whence it has received the name of reed-wheat. The grains, however, do not yield so large a proportion of flour or meal as any of the preceding species or varieties; and the flour is scarcely superior to that obtained from the finest barley.

X. The Zealand Wheat is chiefly raised in the county of Kent: the straw is long and tough, resembling reeds; the ears are large; the grains white, and full-bodied.—This species is well calculated for poor soils; for, if it be sown on rich lands, it is apt "to run up to straw."

Lastly, there is a species of Spring Wheat, cultivated in the island of Jersey, and which is termed Froment Tremais; being only three months in the ground: its ears and grains are small, but yield a nutritious flour.—Like the Cone-wheat, the last seven species are furnished with long beards.

The White, or Spring and Summer Wheats, flourish best on light soils, while the other kinds and varieties are more advantageously raised on strong lands. The ground, however, ought previously to be well tilled and pulverized: thus, if a crop of wheat be taken after clover has been ploughed in, it will prove uncommonly fine and abundant.

This beneficial corn is propagated, by sowing it either, or by it with Mr. 's, or similar drill-machine; or by Mr. 's implement for sowing wheat and other grain; which may be affixed to a plough, or manufactured of any requisite size.—Mr. W. obtained a patent for this invention, in 1784, and, as his privilege is now expired, farmers may avail themselves of his contrivance, described in the 15 th volume of the "Repertory of Arts," where it is farther illustrated by an engraving.

Wheat may also be ; but, though a considerable saving is thus obtained in the quantity of seed, yet such method is by no means preferable to drilling. Within a few years, indeed, it has been proposed to increase the plant by dividing the root; and various experiments have been successfully made, with the view of saving seed-corn: the most remarkable is that of Mr., of Cambridge. He sowed some wheat on the 2d of June, 1766; on the 8th day of August in the same year, a single plant was taken up, divided into 18 parts, and each part separately transplanted. Between the middle of September and October, these plants were again removed, their roots divided into 67 portions; which were likewise set at a proper distance from each other, for enduring the winter. Next, they were dug up a third lime, and divided in a similar manner, between the middle of March and the 12th of April; in consequence of which, they produced five hundred plants. Thus, a single grain yielded in one season:

For a more particular account of this experiment, the reader will consult the 58th vol. of the "Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society."