FIFTH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK — PART I. 



63 



proportion to their width. The early kernels, having dented, make the late 

 ones appear longer than they really are. The probable reason why these 

 late kernels split open is that being soft and higher than the more matured 

 ones, the pressure of the husks upon the silks held them in such close con- 

 tact with the crown that the outer covering was weakened and finally burst. 

 As soon as this ear was stored the kernels moulded and in a short time 

 rotted. For further discussion of the disadvantages of kernels maturing at 

 different times see Fig. 10. 



No. 3 shows a spiral arrangement of rows with thick blocky kernels, 

 lacking in uniformity. The tip is weak and the whole ear, through lack of 

 proper proportion, indicates weakness and lack of breeding. 



No. 4 is especially worthy of notice because of the unusual condition of 

 its kernels The ear is of good length, showing that the stalk which bore it 

 possessed good constitution. Its kernels, however, are very uneven, weak 

 and low in vitality. It is probable that this ear was late and expended a 

 great deal of energy in throwing out silks in hope that they would be 



Fig. 



