Corn Growers' Association. . 217 



considered. Count the stalks in the rows and determine how 

 nearly a perfect stand has been matured. Note the number of 

 ears as compared with the number of stalks in a row. The num- 

 ber of suckers may also be noted, and many other things that most 

 any one will notice that may be of interest. One of the most im- 

 portant as well as one of the most interesting parts is yet to be 

 played, and that is the harvest. Each row should be gathered 

 separately and a careful weight taken, and a record made. Note 

 the number of well formed and well developed ears as compared 

 with those of inferior shape and quality. The highest yield of the 

 best quality is the issue. It will be found that some of the "pet" 

 ears, some that we may have taken to the show, and on which we 

 won a prize, have fallen below the "dead line," while some of those 

 that made no great pretensions have won out in the final and 

 crucial test. Folks are sometimes that way, you know. 



The corn that has given us the best results should be well 

 dried out and put away for the general crop next season, and the 

 finest and best ears should be carefully preserved for the breed- 

 ing plat next season. 



There is no question but that this method of work carried out 

 for a few seasons will be a great help in vastly increasing our 

 corn yields. 



I have tried to make this lesson in corn breeding plain enough 

 that any of the boys can understand, and it is hoped that many 

 will go at it and put out a breeding plat this season. This has 

 been a source of a big profit to me, and it will prove so to others. 



First prize bushel of Boone County Wliite exhibited at the State Corn Show, held under the 

 auspices of the State Board of Agriculture in Columbia, January, 1909. 



