FIFTH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK — PART I. 



59 





It 



Fig. 5. 



The above cut shows good and bad forms of kernels. The pairs of ker- 

 nels Nos. 1, 2, 11 and 12 show the best forms in order named; while Nos. 5, 

 6, 7 and 8 show the poorest forms in the order named. Pair No. 1 is the 

 best since the kernels are full and plump at the tips next to the cob and have 

 large germs. Both of these points are important as they indicate strong 

 vitality and feeding value. On the other hand pairs 5, 6 and 7 are especially 

 weak with low feeding value and small per cent of corn to cob. 



It will also be observed that these kernels are far from uniform in siz and 

 shape (compare Nos. 4, 2 and 6) and hence no planter will drop an even 

 number per hill. (See table of tests.) When we realize that all these ker- 

 nels were taken from ears that appeared to be good, when examined from 

 the standpoint of the ear alone, we can readily appreciate the importance of 

 paying more attention to the study of the kernels of corn in our seed ears. 



