388 Reading-Course for Farmers. 



These Bulletins can not be sent to persons who reside outside 

 OF THE State of New York, as both courses are supported by a State 

 appropriation. 



The purpose of this Bulletin is to discuss briefly the g'enerally accepted 

 methods of seed corn selection, dealing in particular with dent corn for the 

 silo. The followins^ questions and directions will help in studying the 

 problem : 



1. Why should seed corn be protected from freezing- while it is moist? 



2. If you have had any experience with southern grown seed corn, 

 describe it. 



3. Take two ears of com of the same length, and leaving the same 

 number of rows equally well filled out on the tips, but one ear having 

 shallow and the other deep kernels. You can ascertain the depth of the 

 kernel by breaking the ear in two. Shell and weigh on store counter 

 scales the kernels from each ear. Record the weights of each. 



4. If one ear of com is cylindrical and another tapering, although 

 both of the same length and the same thickness at the butt, which will 

 have the greatest amount of grain and why? Pick out such ears, shell, 

 weigh the grain and record the weights. 



5. Break a number of ears of corn in two. Pick out ears with 

 square kernels ; round kernels ; pointed kernels. Notice the space left 

 between the rows both at the caps of the kernels and alons: the cob. 

 Compare with kernels that fit closely all around the cob. Estimate the 

 loss of space in each. 



Shell oflF several rows of kernels from a number of ears. Look at 

 the side of the kernels exposed. Notice that some ears have space between 

 the kernels at their bases, while others do not. Estimate the loss of space 

 in those having large spaces. 



6. Take an empty cigar box, partly fill with moist sand or sawdust. 

 Cover with muslin marked as already described. Place muslin with moist 

 vsand or sawdust on top. Follow directions before given for making 

 germination test. Record each ear by number and the number of kernels 

 from each ear that failed to sprout. If you have any corn that has been 

 hung up in a dry place, or kept in the house over winter, test this as well 

 as some that has been left in the crib. 



