TESTS OF DEPARTMENT SEEDS. 4l7 



The result of all the information we have regarding this corn is, that 

 it is adapted to a southern climate, because of its early matiuity, and its 

 avoiding the drought of August, so prejudicial to the white corn of the 

 South; that while it is not so prolilic as the large gourd-seed, it is more 

 certain in its production, and therefore desirable in the Southern States. 

 It has not been successful in the Northern and ]Midd]e States, not ma- 

 turing much earlier than the yellow gourd-seed, and being far less pro- 

 lific. The Department will therefore continue to test its usefulness by 

 distribution of it, but only in the Southern States. 



Pennsylvania yelloic corn. — This variety of yellow field-corn has been 

 raised with great success in i^ortions of Eastern Pennsylvania for several 

 years. Early, prolific, hardy, yielding abundance of fodder, it was 

 deemed a variety suitable for the South to take the place of its deteri- 

 orated maize. It is a yellow gourd-seed corn with red cob; its ear 

 shaped like the white gourd- seed of the South, but not quite so large, 

 and very much earlier in maturing. It was distributed to some extent 

 last year, and reports from the South are so favorable that the Depart- 

 ment proposes to make further distribution this year. It will grow well 

 and prove satisfactory wherever corn grows at all. 



In Shenandoah County, Virginia, planted April 20 ; was harvested 

 September 13, at the rate of GO bushels per acre. Yield, quality, and 

 time of gTowth better than the corn commonly grown in the locality. Is 

 about fourteen days earlier. 



Planted in Greene County, Xorth C^olina, April 1; harvested in 

 October. Although season was unfavorable, the yield, fifteen days in 

 advance of other varieties, was SO bushels per acre. 



Planted late in Soulji Carolina, in March ; gathered by July 15. Was 

 very i)rolific; ears well filled, and of good size, measuring in length 

 from 9 to 15 inches. It is at least one month earlier than other varieties, 

 and matures before the hot, dry season, sui^i^lying the crib at a time of 

 scarcity. 



In Pike County, Georgia, yield good, quality excellent, and matures 

 earlier by one month than kinds usually grown. A farmer in the same 

 county says: "It has yielded heavily; I am well pleased with it for 

 several reasons — mainly because of its earliness, having gathered firm, 

 full roasting-ears from it in two and a half months from the time of 

 planting." In Cobb County, planted April 5, and harvested August 

 13 ; weight, per measured bushel, 58 iwunds. Xot as productive as white 

 corn grown in the vicinity. 



Experiments in three counties in Florida. Columbia County : Does 

 not yield as largely as the ordinary corn, but matures in twenty days' 

 less time, while the quality is equally good. Madisou County : Matures 

 much earlier, and is hard enough for grinding by the time other varie- 

 ties are in roasting-ear. Two crops maybe made in one year. Santa Kosa 

 County : Xot as heavy as other corn, but matures three or four weeks 

 earlier. 



Eeports from five counties of Alabama are highly commendatory of 

 this corn. Autauga County : Excellent in quality, it matures nearly two 

 months earlier than common varieties ; some ears 11 inches long. * Cal- 

 houn County: Eipened early enough to escape the drought. An excel- 

 lent variety for the climate. Crenshaw County : Matured one month 

 earlier than common corn. Some ears were 12 inches in length. ITalc 

 County: Yielded well, ripening six weeks earlier than common coin. 

 Wilcox County: Superior to any yellow corn yet tried. 



Is considered valuable iu Wayne County, Mississippi, on account of 

 27 a 



