FIFTH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK — PART I. 55 



PREPARING SEED CORN FOR THE PLANTER. 



After the germination test, the next step is preparing the corn for the 

 planter. First, by removing the mixed kernels. In yellow varieties it can 

 be done better before shelling and in white varieties after shelling, as the 

 mixed kernels often do not show in white corn until the corn has been 

 shelled; second, by butting and tipping the ears of corn to insure the planter 

 dropping the correct number of kernels in each hill. 



To be certain of getting the drop adjusted properly, twenty or thirty 

 ears should be shelled separately and put into grades of large, medium and 

 small kernels. The planter can then be tried with each grade and the proper 

 plates selected for each grade. If the proper plates are not at hand, then 

 those nearest may be calibrated to do the work as desired. This is very 

 essential and it should be done before the rush of spring work begins. A 

 small outlay for additional plates or a new planter may mean the diflference 

 between a good crop and a poor one. The planter must do the work 

 properly. After the planter is tested and it is known what grades are 

 wanted, the seed corn should be carefully shelled, put into sacks and 

 properly labeled. 



The planter can be adjusted to drop the different grades in a uniform 

 raanner, if the grades are kept separate and the proper planter plate used 

 for each grade, but if these different sized kernels are mixed and drop mis- 

 cellaneously, it will be impossible to secure a uniform number of stalks per 

 hill. 



We can not afford to neglect this important work. If every farmer in the 

 Srate would test every ear of his seed corn this winter in the way described 

 above, the yield would be wonderfully increased. No other time will be so 

 piofitable to the farmer as that spent in testing the vitality of his seed and in 

 grading it to ensure the planter dropping the proper number of kernels in 

 each hill. It is possible for every one to do this work. It will cost nothing 

 but the time, of which there is plenty at this season when the work should 

 be done. Every farmer should realize the importance of testing every ear 

 of his seed corn before spring work begins. No possible loss can come from 

 it an 1 it will ensure a good stand of corn, which is absolutely essential, if 

 the best results are to be secured from the year's hard work. One day 

 spent in March on the seed corn, may be worth more than a month of hard 

 work in the field, later. Without good seed, the after labor is of little avail. 

 Nothing is more depressing or discouraging than a poor stand of corn. If 

 the seed is carefully tested and only good seed planted, there are no risks to 

 run, except those made necessary to every one from the conditions of the 

 weather, etc., which can not be controlled. It is during the bad seasons, 

 when conditions are unfavorable that we most need the kernels with large, 

 deep germs of a bright cheerful color well-matured, which will give the most 

 vigorous germination. 



It is essential to seek improved varieties of corn, but it is also important 

 that better treatment be given to the seed that is to be planted. 



DO NOT IMPORT SEED CORN. 



If the test shows the seed to be weak and unreliable and it is necessary 

 to secure other seed, it should be obtained from some reliable neighbor, 

 who has a surplus. 



