SELECTING BEST EARS FOR SEED 103 



is for kernels to become more shallow, deeper kernels should be planted 

 than is desired in the crop. See illustration. 



9. Kernel Shape: This should conform to the variety type. Gen- 

 erally speaking, kernels should be wedge-shaped and full at the germ 

 end, except Champion White Pearl, which should be smoothly indented 

 with rounded top and nearly as wide as deep. 



10. Space Between Bows: Furrows between rows and spaces caused 

 by round corners of kernels, which should be narrow, deep and sufficient 

 for perfect ventilation. See illustration. 



11. Space Between Kernels at Cob: There should be little or no 

 space in row between kernels at cob. Considerable space in the row 

 between the kernels indicate immaturity and lack of vigor. Such ears 

 should not be used for seed. See illustration. 



12. Vitality, or Seed Condition: Ears should be ripe, sound, dry 

 and of strong vitality. Grains of a pinkish color are objectionable, 

 since they indicate a diseased condition. Three dead ears disqualify 

 an entire exhibit. This is the most important point in the score card 

 as well as in selecting corn' for planting. 



13. Trueness to Type: Conforming to variety characteristics in 

 variety classes and to the prevailing type in general classes, type is 

 determined largely by the shape and uniformity of the kernels. In 

 fact, if kernels are uniform and of the shape and indentation char- 

 acteristic of the variety in question, the ear or exhibit may be said 

 to have good type. 



14. Proportion of Shelled Corn to Ear: In determining the pro- 

 portion of corn to cob, weigh each alternate ear in the exhibit. Shell 

 and weigh the cobs, and subtract weight of cobs from weight of ears, 

 which will give weight of corn. Divide the weight of corn by the 

 total weight of ears to get the percentage of corn. For each per cent 

 short of standard for the variety, a one-point cut is made. 



We have tried to explain as clearly as possible in this chapter, the 

 factors which enter into the selection of corn for seed and exhibition 

 purposes. To tell on paper how to select corn is almost impossible. 

 For this reason we urge all readers of this book to attend the nearest 

 short course in corn judging if the opportunity presents itself. No 

 matter how little or how much you know about corn, you will learn 

 things that will be of practical benefit to you, as a corn grower, by 

 attending one of these short courses. There are no charges made for 

 taking these courses. Ralph M. Ainsworth, secretary of the Illinois 

 Corn Growers' and Stockmen's Convention, held at Urbana, will be 

 pleased to send the program and schedule to anyone writing to the 

 address on the title page of this book. 



BIBLIOGRAPHY 



"The Study of Corn." Vernon M. Shoesmith. 



"Successful Corn Culture." Prof. P. G. Holden. 



"Selecting the Best Ears of Corn." Successful Farming. Oct., 1912. 



