446 



STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



When all squares are filled, cover with moistened cloth 22'" x 22''. 

 A third cloth or sack should be spread over box and \y^' of moist saw- 

 dust spread evenly over top. 



Place box in warm room in slightly inclined position so that the tips 

 point down. 



Inspect after several days and moisten if necessary. The test is ready 

 to read in seven days. In taking test, roll back upper cloth, removing 

 sawdust and carefully remove cloth over kernels. 



Kernels from good ears should show vigorous sprout and root de- 

 velopment. Kernels which fail to grow, or which produce weak sprouts, 

 or moldy sprouts, come from ears unfit for seed and the ears correspond- 

 ing to their numbers should be discarded. 



THE RAG-DOLL TESTER 



Cut cloth (cambric, muslin, or flannel) into strips five feet long and 

 ten inches in width. Bisect lengthwise with heavy pencil line. Be- 

 ginning about fifteen inches from end draw eleven cross lines at right 

 angles to center line, three inches apart. Number spaces from one to 

 ten on upper side of line and eleven to twenty on lower side. 



Select and number ears to be tested. Dampen cloth and lay out 

 smoothly on table. Kemove six kernels from different parts of ear 











-4-.^-._ 



16. The Rag Doll test is convenient and dependable. 



Kernels ■which show strong sprouts, free from mold or other fungous growth, indicate 

 ears which are safe for seed purposes. Kernels, which fail to sprout or produce weak or 

 moldy sprouts, indicate ears which should be discarded. 



number one and place germ side up in space number one, tips pointing 

 in same direction. Proceed with each ear in like manner. When 

 spaces are filled roll carefully so as not to displace kernels and tie roll 

 around center with string, place each roll as finished in bucket, cover 

 with lukewarm water for several hours. Drain, and cover top with 

 damp cloth or newspaper. Place in warm room. After several days 

 moisten with warm water. On seventh day test is usually ready to read. 

 To read test unroll cloth carefully on table and study kernels in each 

 square. Discard all ears corresponding to squares showing dead ker- 

 nels which produced weak sprouts or mouldy sprouts. Save for plant- 

 ing ears with kernels showing strong, clean, stem and root sprouts. 



