1308 Rural School Leaflet 



that, as in no. 7, germinate weakly. The roots will be thin, yellow, and 

 sickly. Perhaps some kernels \vill be moldy, and by their appearance 

 as a whole show clearly lack of vigor. Those ears, all or part of whose 

 kernels germinate weakly, should be discarded. The kernels of still 

 other ears will germinate vigorously with strong, healthy sprouts, as is 

 the case in ears nos. 3 and 4. Ears represented by such kernels should 

 be used for planting. 



If it is found necessary to buy seed corn in bulk, a sample should be 

 obtained from the seed merchant and several hundred kernels tested by 

 the method described. A germination test of such bulk samples can also 

 easily be made by putting a piece of blotting paper in the bottom of a 

 pan, thoroughly moistening this, and putting the kernels on it. The com 

 should be covered with some more wet blotting paper or wet cloths and 

 a pane of glass should be placed over the top of the pan to prevent drying 

 out. The blotting paper and cloths must be kept damp. At the end of 

 five or six days examine the com; if less than eighty out of one hundred 

 kernels germinate vigorously, it cannot be considered good seed com. 



Every farmer in the State should test the germination of his seed corn. 

 It is important to begin this year and test the seed intended for next 

 spring's planting. The work had best be done during some of the winter 

 evenings before the spring work begins. The boys and girls should do 

 the seed testing. 



CORN FOODS 



Flora Rose 

 corn meal mush 

 • I cupful corn meal ^ teaspoonful salt 



5I cupfuls water 



Mix the corn meal with i cupful cold water, and add 4! cupfuls of 

 boiling water. Add the salt. Cook this mixtiu-e over direct heat for 

 five minutes; then set it over hot water and cook for one hour or longer. 

 Com meal mush is better if cooked for several hours. 



CORN MEAL GEMS 



I cupful thick sour milk i level teaspoonful butter, or lard, 



I level teaspoonful soda or drippings, melted 



I beaten egg i cupful white flour mixed with i 



f to I cupful com meal level teaspoonful baking powder 



Mix the soda and the sour milk. Add the egg, the melted butter, the 

 flour, and the corn meal, and stir the batter thoroughly. Pour it into 

 well-buttered gem pans, and bake the gems in a medium hot oven for 

 about 25 minutes. 



