82 



IOWA DEPARTMENF OF AGRICULTURE. 



Fig. 29. 



The lower row of kernels in the above cut are from ear No. 1, shown on 

 the following page, and the kernels in the upper row are from ear No. 2. 

 Judging from outward appearances of the ears, little or no diflference in 

 their values could be discovered. The ears from which these two rows were 

 taken were almost exactly of the same size, yet ear No. L (see cut on follow- 

 ing page) weighed 16 per cent more than ear No. 2, and shelled out 203^ 

 per cent more corn than ear No. 2. Ear' No. 2 is not only much poorer in 

 feeding value than No. 1, but has a much lower vitality and would give a 

 weaker plant. 



It is very important that the tips of the kernels — the portion next to the 

 cob— should be full and plump so that there is no space between the kernels 

 down near the cob. In selecting our seed corn it is important that we 

 should do more than look at the ears; we must study the kernels. 



