Wheat

During the first few years wheat produced abundantly, often as high as forty bushels to the acre. One year the late frost killed the wheat in the root. Many farmers plowed theirs up, but Pa left his and it came out and made a good crop. The yield of wheat fell far short for twenty years later. However, Pa continued to raise some wheat as long as he farmed. He said it was the best winter grazing for the stock, and that rye was next. I remember that Pa said that constant planting of wheat on the same land must rob the soil of some necessary element for wheat production.

(The preceding information was given to me by both Mrs. Lou E. Clark and her sister, Mrs. Ida Banks, while they were together July, 1931.)

Hogs and Sheep

Sufficient sheep to make the clothing needed were kept in the pastures.

Sufficient hogs to feed the plantation were raised and fattened each year.

Ma had general control over the spinning, which was done by the Negro women, and also over the weaving, which was done by Aunt Polly.

Farming

Pa bought a large tract of black prairie land seven miles east of Clarksville, and had the turf broken by oxen. Mr. Pleas Igo broke some of