Judith Robertson, age 10, of Racine,, Wis. For her question:

How can winter snow be good for next year's crops?

Judith's Grandfather told her that this is so and Andy says, less, Grandfather is right. A deep blanket of winter snow is a great boon to the plains and the prarie lands. Cool as it seems to us, this blanket actually prevents the frost from reaching deep into the ground where it would destroy roots and all sorts of little creatures which help to keep the soil productive.

Most important„ the melting snows of spring seep and dribble deep into the soil, dissolving chemicals to feed next year's crops, The overflow runs into streams, creeks and rivers. This surface water and the water level below ground supply needed water for the long, dry days of summer. Without it, next year's crops would be parched and thirsty.