32 AGRICULTURE 01? MAINE. 



made out a lisi of suggestions covering in a general way the 

 best methods of growing the crop. We also asked each grower 

 to keep a record of the crop and report to the Department upon 

 blanks furnished by us. We hoped in this way to learn some- 

 thing of the value of this corn for the State of Maine. Twelve 

 men have reported so far. Of these 9 have corn fit for plant- 

 ing; 3 report failure; 3 are doubtful as to its value and 

 believe by proper selection and breeding the variety may be 

 made valuable! It is unfortunate that such a small part of the 

 86 farmers planting this corn have reported upon the advis- 

 ability of continuing the test. It is by no means a settled ques- 

 tion whether a larger yield may be secured from dent varieties 

 over our native flints. Careful, systematic variety tests should 

 be made under varying soil and climatic conditions of the state ; 

 comparing growing cost, length of time required for maturing, 

 yield and food value of the crop. 



The suggestions for growing and record blank asked of the 

 farmers testing corn in Hancock county follow : 



SUGGESTIONS. 



1. Plow deep. 



2. Harrow thoroughly. 



3. Manure well, plowing under if possible. 



4. Do not plant until the soil is warm and mellow, but the 

 earlier the corn is planted the better. 



5. Do not plant too close together. Remember the corn is 

 a large variety and new to our soil. Three stalks every 3 feet 

 is sufficiently near. 



6. Be careful in planting. Do not allow the seed to be 

 placed too close to a large amount of commercial fertilizer. It 

 is better to use a small amount under the plant and apply the 

 balance when the plant is six inches to one foot in height. 



7. Keep down the weeds. Weeds take not only plant food 

 which belongs to the corn, but more serious still, they draw a 

 large amount of water from the soil. 



8. Till thoroughly to make and keep dust mulch. Water 

 evaporates rapidly from hard soils. A mulch prevents evapora- 

 tion. 



9. Remove weak plants and plants which bear no ears. 

 They will be valuable for fodder but if left will take moisture 



