54 MISSOURI AGRICULTURAL REPORT. 



cultivator, and for the first cultivation, remove the shovels next the row, 

 replacing them with bull tongues. Cultivate deep and close this time 

 in preparation of staying at respectable distance thereafter. The first 

 cultivation once properly accomplished, the farmer has his own way foi 

 the three later cultivations. Cross the field at the second cultivation and 

 do not ridge it more than you are compelled to, staying a moderate 

 distance from the row, and not cutting too deeply. Cultivate as planted 

 the third time, stay well away from the row and cut shallow. Ridge 

 no more than compelled to by weeds. Now, as to the fourth and last 

 cultivation use the warped shovels next the row ridging somewhat, but 

 keep well away from the plants, cultivating shallow to avoid severe 

 root-pruning. 



Type of Corn. — I deem it improper for me at this time and place 

 to remark on the varieties of corn, so will refer interested ones to my 

 exhibit to verify the feasibility of a farmer producing the type of corn 

 which he champions, and which he finds most remunerative. We know 

 full well that it is not advisable to expect the best results from corn 

 that has lately undergone a very marked change either in latitude or 

 altitude. This being true 1 advise home growing of seed corn so far as 

 it is practicable. Of course if one has not already a thoroughbred corn 

 of really high producing capacity, get it first, get it as near home as 

 possible, then proceed to make it better and of a higher producing 

 capacity each year I know that this line of work is sadly neglected by 

 farmers in general. I also know there are so many features of the corn 

 plant entirely undeterminable in the show room and at fairs, in short, 

 by examination of the ear, that play a very important part if the ability 

 of a variety to produce a really heavy crop of sound, merchantable shelled 

 corn, that farmers often get hold of a variety of high exhibition quality 

 corn that proves to be a really light cropper of sound corn. 



The reason is obvious. The ear that is of the prescribed confor- 

 mation wins, and is used for breeding stock regardless of field condi- 

 tions surrounding it. That is why I advocate field selection of the seed 

 always. Keep it up and make producing capacity your watchword. 



After securing the corn that will } icld properly, raise your own 

 seed and in so doing select it in a manner to conform with your ideal of a 

 perfect corn, considered from a utility point of view. Although the 

 farmer may at times show an exhibit of corn, that is a secondary con- 

 sideration with him and his profits lie in wliat he cribs and not what he 

 shows. Now let no one understand mc to wish to discourage corn shows. 

 Far from it, I strongly favor them as a stinuilant to endeavor, but T 

 l)lacc utility above fancy points, and advise that the enterprising farmers 



