CORN growers' association. 43 



in corn improvement, as well as in handling and caring for the corn. 

 This plan offers many advantages and is being adopted in some locali- 

 ties where we have held institutes. Judiciously carried out, it solves the 

 seed corn problem. The corn thus grown and developed is, or will 

 be perfectly acclimated and adapted to the- land and locality. In order 

 to determine which type or variety is best suited to the locality, a num- 

 ber of varieties should be tested. Each farmer should plant several va- 

 rieties in platsi side by side, watch their growth, ascertain their yields 

 and in this manner from a number of such comparisons the very best 

 varieties could be selected for all the farmers of the locality. Of course 

 the corn from these particular plats would be unfit for seed, a variety 

 selecting being the only objective point. 



It makes less difference than many suppose, which variety is chosen 

 for ultimate adoption, provided it be bred up in the manner outlined by 

 Prof. Miller. However, it would be best to begin operations with corn 

 already developed to a high standard, and by judicious breeding keep 

 up the standard of excellence, and in addition secure adaptation and ac- 

 climatization to the given locality. 



In my judgment it will be unwise for the farmer corn breeder to 

 try to develop two or more special traits, but he should strive in the one 

 direction, large yield, for it is a well-known principle in animal breeding 

 and plant 'breeding as well, that it is easier to develop a single trait or 

 character, than two or more at the same time. It would be better to 

 grow legume crops for the necessary protein, than to try to get it as a 

 special development in corn. If it is true, as, suggested by Prof. Mil- 

 ler, that the protein is very largely contained in the horny starch of the 

 grain, it follows that high protein corn is harder, more flinty, and not so 

 easil}^ masticated, and hence not so desirable for cattle feeding, and even 

 may be objectionable on account of its hard, flinty character for other 

 stock. Again, it is best to give animals a greater variety of feeds, no one 

 single feed equaling in efficiency a variety. Another point in growing 

 legume crops for protein, we aft'ord the land a desirable rotation. 



The oil content, however, being largely in the germ, it will be well 

 to select corn of large germs, as this development will probably cor- 

 relate with largeness of yield. Another advantage may be gained by se- 

 lecting large germs, that is to secure increased vitality. Grains with 

 large germs will send up larger and more vigorous sprouts, (plumules) 

 and start to grow more readily. It has been observed that grains with 

 large germs and thick bodies, somewhat flinty, will germinate and grow 

 under more unfavorable conditions, (as wet, cold weather) than thin 

 gourd seed grains. 



