601 



TESTING VITALITY OF SEED CORN. 



The vitality of all seed corn should be tested. A good, profitable stand 

 can only be secured from vigorous seed. This vitality can be tested by 

 every corn grower by this simple and practicable method: Take three 

 kernels out of every seed ear— one from near the tip. one from the middle, 

 and the other from near the butt of the ear. Fill an ordinary china dinner 

 plate nearly full of sand and pour on vrater until thoroughly saturated. 

 Now plant one hundred kernels point down in the sand. Place a second 

 somewhat smaller plate over the first to prevent the too rapid evaporation 

 of the moisture, and set in a warm room. Keep a record of the time and 

 number of kernels sprouted in this kind of table: 



Name of Variety 



Date of Testing 



Number of Kernels 



In seven days 97 per cent, should have germinated. If less, the seed 

 should be discarded and better seed secured. 



