22 



The Bulletin. 



causing wide spaces between the rows. Those of row 4 are too pointed, 

 showing lack of maturity and weak germs, i^otice the difference in 

 thickness of the kernels that have the edges turned out. 



LENGTH AND CIRCrMFERENCE OF THE EAR. 



The proper length for an ear has never been decided. It varies so 

 much with the different varieties that no standard can be set to judge 

 the average ear. For the largest yield it seems that an ear from eight 

 to ten inches long gives the best results. Of course the personal ideal of 

 grower and the variety he is growing will govern this. The one im- 

 portant thing for the man who is selecting an exhibit is to have every 

 ear of the same length and if he knows the length for the variety he 

 has, to select accordins: to that. 



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Courtesy rif Marylanil Exijeiiment Stati 



Fig. 9. Rows 1 and 2 show desirablo kernels. Rows 3 and 4 show undesirable kernels. 



The circumference can be more easily established than the length. 

 The rule is for the circumference to equal three fourths of the length of 

 the ear when the measurement for circumference is taken one fourth of 

 the distance from the butt to the tip. For instance, if the ear is ten 

 inches long the circumference taken tAvo and one-half inches from the 

 butt should be seven and one-half inches. If you are growing a stand- 

 ard variety you should know the length and circumference set for this 

 variety and select to this. The length and circumference of every ear in 

 the exhibit should be as nearly as possible the same. One ear off in 

 either or both of these points will mar the exhibit very much and lower 

 the scoring. Study Figures 1 and 2 for the effect of good and pom- 

 length and circumference. Notice how much just the irregularity in 

 lengths mars the appearance of the exhibit in Figure 2, 



