Seed Corn for Grain and Silage. 



3^3 



few kernels should be removed from the center of the ear, and their 

 shape and uniformity examined. The kernels should not be square, 

 because they leave wide spaces between the rows. (Fig. 360, C.) They 

 should not be round for the same reason. (Fig. 360, B.) They should 

 not be too pointed, for that interferes with their proper development. 

 A proper slant to the sides of the kernel like that of the keystone of an 

 arch, will permit the kernels to fit close together around the cob, and 

 thus occupy a minimum space. This shape and compact arrangement 

 of kernel appears to be correlated with great depth and weight of kernel. 

 (Fig. 360, A.) 



The narrow side of the kernel is also to be considered. On this side 

 the edges should be parallel from crown to base. (Fig. 361, A.) A 

 kernel pointed on this side is objectionable for the same reason as is one 

 pointed on the broad side. (Fig. 361, B.) 



A 



B 



C 



Fig. 360. — A, Kernel of proper shape. 

 B, Round kernel. C, Sqtiare kernel. 

 From " Examining and Grading 

 Grains." 



Fig. 361. — Kernels fitting closely from 

 crown to tip. Kernels pointed on nar- 

 row side. From '^ Examining and 

 Grading Grains." 



The necessity for uniformity in the kernels arises when a planter 

 or drill is to be used. It is impossible to make a machine drop the same 

 number of kernels in the hill or at given intervals in a row unless they 

 are of approximately the same size and shape. The best yields of corn 

 are to be obtained only from a perfect stand, hence the importance of 

 planting accurately. 



7. Aloderately small cob. A very large cob dries out slowly, and 

 such an ear is more likely to suffer from frost. (Fig. 362, B.) A 

 moderately small cob is preferable. (Fig. 362, A.) 



Test all seed corn before planting to see if it will sprout well. There 

 is a great advantage in making a test of each ear separately, and it is 

 quite easy to do so. If any ear is found to have poor vitality it should 

 be discarded. 



To test the corn take a shallow box, fill it with one or two inches 

 of saw dutet or sand, first thoroughly wetting the sand or saw dust and 

 allowing it to drain out by hanging it up in a sack for a half hour or 

 more. It will then leave about the right amount of moisture. Cover 

 the moistened material with a piece of muslin, and mark off the surface 

 in rectangles about 2x13^ inches in size. Number the spaces consecu- 



