278 THE CEREALS IN AMERICA 



374. Score Card for Dknt Maize. 1 



Furnish each student with a sample consisting of ten ears of maize. 



1. Trueness to Type or Breed Characteristics, 10 Points. — The tea 

 ears in the sample should possess similar or like characteristics, and should be true 

 to the variety which they represent. 



2. Shape of Ear, 10 Points. — The shape of the ear should conform to the 

 variety type. Ear should be full and strong in central portion and not taper too 

 rapidly toward the tip. 



3. Purity (a) in Grain, 5 Points. — Color of grain should be true to variety 

 tnd free from mixture. For one or two mixed grains, a cut of one-fourth point ; 

 for four or more mixed grains, a cut of one-half point should be made. Difference 

 in shade of color must be scored according to variety characteristics. 



(b) In Cob, 5 Points. — An ear with white cob in yellow maize or red cob in 

 white maize, should be disqualified or marked zero. This mixture reduces the 

 value of the maize for seed purposes, indicates lack of purity, and tends towards 

 a too wide variation in time of maturity, size and shape of. grains. 



4. Vitality or Seed Condition, 10 Points. — Maize should be in good seed 

 condition, being capable of producing strong, vigorous growth and yield. 



5. Tips, 5 Points. — The form of tip should be regular ; grains near tip should 

 be of regular shape and size. The proportion of tip covered or filled must be con- 

 sidered. Long pointed tips as well as short flattened or double tips are objec- 

 tionable. 



6. Butts, 5 Points. — The rows of grains should extend in regular order over 

 the butt, leaving a deep depression when the shank is removed. Open and swelled 

 butts, depressed and flat butts, with flattened glazed grains, are objectionable and 

 must be cut according to the judgment of the scorer. 



7. Grains (a) Uniformity of, 10 Points; (b) Shape of, 5 Points. — The 

 grains should be uniform in shape and size, making it possible to secure uniformity 

 in dropping with the planter, and consequently a good stand. The grains should 

 also be not only uniform on individual ear, but uniform in color and true to variety 

 type. The grains should be so shaped that their edges touch from tip to crown. 



8. Length of Ear, id Points.. — The length of ear varies according to variety, 

 type, and the characteristics sought for by individual breeders. Uniformity in length 

 is to be sought for in a sample, and a sample having an even length of ears should 

 score higher than one that varies, even if it be within the limits. Instructor will 

 set limits for length of ears of sample according to variet}', allowing a variation of 

 one inch. The sum of the excesses and deficiencies in inches shall constitute a cut 

 in points. 



9. Circumference of Ear, 5 Points. — The circumference of the ear will 

 vary according to the variety and the latitude. The circumference of the ear should 

 be in symmetry with its length. An ear too great in circumference for its length 

 is generally slow in maturing, and too frequently results in soft maize. Instructor 

 will set limits for circumference of ears of sample according to variety, allowing a 

 variation of one-half inch. The sum of the excesses and deficiencies in inches shall 



1 The score card of the Iowa State College slightly modified. Iowa Bui. TJ (1904). 



