KING CORN ISI 
that it can be readily located after the test is made. In 
selecting the kernels for the test, take one from near the 
butt, three from various parts of the middle portion, and 
one from near the tip. Look for elevated or swollen 
spots on the ear from which to take the kernels. If 
there are any weak germs, they are likely to be found on 
the swollen spots, because there the cob was probably 
more or less spongy and retained moisture after the rest 
of the ear was dry and out of danger of being injured. 
“ The requisites for germination are moisture, warmth 
and air. Any chamber or vessel in which these can be 
provided will answer the purpose. The exact method 
employed will be largely a matter of convenience. An 
ordinary dinner plate with a double fold of moistened 
muslin between which the kernels can be laid, covered 
with another plate to prevent too rapid drying, makes a 
very good germinating chamber. A shallow box into 
which several lots of kernels may be laid between folds 
of moistened paper and covered with a lid will do. A 
shallow box containing moist earth or sawdust in which 
the kernels may be planted may also be handy. In any 
case the tester should be put in a warm place, but not 
too near the stove. The temperature of the ordinary 
living room is about right, provided that it does not be- 
come colder than 55 degrees during the night.” 
After seed has been properly saved and tested, and 
having your soil built up in the manner I have detailed 
in previous chapters, the next important step is the 
preparation of the seed bed. 
In a previous chapter I showed the importance of 
breaking up the soil at the right time, and assuming that 
