Other forms of this traditional country saying relating to sowing are also illustrated here.
How to sow Beans. ‘One for the mouse, One for the crow, One to rot, One to grow.’
[1850 Notes & Queries 1st Ser. II. 515]
‘Kernels,’ said Pa. ‘Four kernels. ‥One for the blackbird, One for the crow, And that will leave Just two to grow.’
[1941 L. I. Wilder Little Town on Prairie ii.]
Careful farmers‥sow their seed broadcast, saying: One for wind and one for crow One to die and one to grow.
[1961 N. Lofts House at Old Vine i. 34]
Related to: garden lore
Bibliography of major proverb collections and works cited from modern editions is available here.
