62 MISSOURI AGRICULTURAL REPORT. 



plot in which each ear is planted in a row by itself ; each alternate row 

 being detasseled, so as to cross-fertilize, all barren and undesirable 

 stalks to be cut out. 



The other way (and I believe more practical for the farmer) is tc 

 select more closely about eight or ten of the very best ears and plant 

 in a square in the field, on the east or southeast side, as it would be less 

 liable to be pollenized from the rest of the field. The seed ought al- 

 ways be tested before planting. There are different ways of doing 

 this, but everyone should have some way of knowing that his corn will 

 grow before planting time. 



The manner of planting and cultivation, which differs very materi- 

 ally in different parts of the State, is familiar to everyone, so it is not 

 necessary for me to give it here, only to say, give it the best you possi- 

 bly can. There is not much danger of giving it too much care. About 

 the time the corn begins to tassel it should be gone over and all barren 

 and undesirable stalks should be cut out — not detasseled, but cut out. 

 It is not good policy to let undesirable stalks absorb the nutrition that 

 should go to develop better corn. It will be necessary to go over it 

 several times to do good work. 



Don't undertake too large a square, as it is liable to be neglected. 



After the corn is thoroughly matured it should be gathered, and 

 all the best should be put in a good, airy, dry place, free from rats and 

 mice, and either put in racks or not piled very deep, so as to admit of 

 free circulation of air ; and get it perfectly dry before freezing weather. 

 The corn should be thoroughly matured before gathering. Except in 

 case of very early corn, I do not believe in our part of the State it 

 should be gathered before about November i. 



If, on the other hand, the farmer does not have the corn he would 

 like to have, then he should go to his neighbor who has good corn, and 

 get seed, or send to some good, reliable seed corn grower and get a 

 small amount of some good variety that has stood the test, has been 

 well bred, and invariably get it in the car, so you can see what it is. 



I would let all so-called new varieties alone, as lliere are plenty of 

 good, reliable varieties that have been carefully bred, of excellent feed- 

 ing value, that can be had, and the farmer cannot afford to take the 

 chance of getting something that will prove to be of no value. 



But, I believe a better plan, and the plan that farmers will adopt 

 sooner or later (or should* adopt, at least), will be to establish corn- 

 breeding farms throughout the State. Let the farmers of a certani 

 locality organize and have some one of their number, who will give 

 corn his particular attention, grow seed for the whole community, the 

 others agreeing to pay a price for the seed sufficient so he can afford 



