402 



Jounial of .\gricitU!irc. 



[8 July, 1908. 



SELECTION OF MAIZE SEED. 



/. M . B. Connor, Dairy Supervisor. 



The following particulars are supplementary to the article on Maize 

 Grozviiig Experiments published in the March number of the Journal. The 

 opinion amongst practical farmers is almost universal that it is desirable 

 to change the seed from time to time to prevent degeneracy. This opinion 

 is no doubt based on practical experience and observation and is in keeping 

 with the results obtained from 'the va,rietie*s of seed maize experimented 

 with by me. 



THE "tassel" (male FLOVvER). THE " SILK " (FEMALE FLOWER). 



In most districts there are some advantages to be gained in introducing 

 seed from outside sources, that is, from where that particular variety of 

 seed grows at its best. Sudh selected seed will probably be possessed of 

 more inherent vigor than that grown in the locality into which it has been- 

 introduced. Different varieties of seed produce plants possessing very 

 marked differences in reispect to individuality. Whilst carrying out the 

 experiments it was observed that, although the plants were grown from the 

 same variety of seed, the characteristic differences could be readily noticed, 

 and the most suitable plants for either fodder purposes, or seed, fixed by 

 selection. The seed from the best of such plants for either purpose should 

 he kept for future sowing, therebv securing the type of maize most suitable 

 for the! district. 



It is only by close observation whilst the plant is growing, that one can 

 thoroughly understand the important part the tassel or male flower and the 

 silk or female flower (see first illustration) play as the reproductive organs 

 of the maize plant ; each has an equal influence as regards the qualities and 

 characteristics of the grain produced. The pollen from the tassel is con- 

 veved to the silk bv bees or the wind. The silk is composed of long^ 



