of six days call the test complete. Count such kernels as have not sprouted. The differ- 

 ence between this count and 100 is, of course, the per cent of germination. If 90 per cent 

 or more of the kernels have sprouted, it will probably pay to make a test of each ear of seed 

 corn. Should less than 90 per cent sprout, it will probably pay to make an individual ear test 

 as suggested by the following: 



Make or secure a box about 30 inches square and 4 inches deep. A box of this size will 

 allow space for 100 squares 2}^x2j^ inches, and at the same time leave a vacant space 2 l /i 

 inches wide around the edges of the box. 



The bottom of the germinator should not be made too tight, for on being wet up it will 

 swell and warp. A good plan is to leave cracks about one-fourth of an inch wide between 

 the boards to allow for expansion. Cover these cracks on the inside with thin strips of 

 wood nailed lightly along one edge only, or cover with a cloth. 



The best medium for holding the water necessary in a germination test is sawdust. If saw- 

 dust cannot be secured, sand or soil will answer. About two inches of wet sawdust should 

 be put into the germinator, smoothed and packed. 



Prepare as follows, a sheet of white cloth about thirty inches square to be laid upon 

 the sawdust: Mark upon this cloth one hundred spaces two and one-half inches square 

 (ten squares each way). This leaves a margin of about two and one-half inches unused 

 on all edges. The squares are numbered consecutively, beginning at the upper left hand 

 corner and numbering across to the right. Square 11 falls directly under square 1 and square 

 20 under square 10. Wet the cloth and spread smoothly over the sawdust. 



Before kernels are placed upon the squares there must be some system for identifying 

 each ear with its corresponding square in the germinator. There are at least two simple 

 ways of doing this: First: A rack may be made of 1x4 boards nailed together and form- 

 ing a square twenty-five inches across. Wires are stretched across this both ways at inter- 

 vals of two and one-half inches and firmly secured. Second: A still simpler way is to cut 

 paper into three-fourths inch squares. These squares are numbered from 1 to 100 and secured 

 to the butts of the ears by means of pins, tacks, or small nails. This is especially advisable 

 where many people handle the ears. 



Six kernels should be taken from each ear, two near the butt, on opposite sides of the ear, 

 two from the middle and two from near the tip. Remove the kernels with a knife blade 

 by prying at their edges. Pulling in this manner will not injure the "germs." Place the six 

 kernels on the proper square with the germ side up. The next step is to cover the loaded 

 squares with a second cloth for protection. Muslin of firm weave is best for this purpose. 

 This shield cloth should be about thirty inches square. Wet the cloth and lay it smoothly 

 over the kernels. Take a large cloth (almost anything will do), and lay it over the ger- 

 minator and cover with an inch of wet sawdust. Fold the edges over the sawdust. If 

 the cloth is not too small it will completely cover the top of the sawdust, making a sort of 

 pad or mattress. 



The germinator should be kept in a warm place in which the temperature does not vary 

 greatly. Many living rooms and some kitchens furnish such conditions. From seventy 

 to eighty degrees is best. Under favorable conditions of temperature a test should be com- 

 plete in a week or less. Sometimes it is necessary to sprinkle water over the pad to main- 

 tain sufficient moisture. 



In preparing to inspect the test it is best to carefully roll first the pad and then the 

 shield cloth to one side, instead of merely pulling them off. If kernels adhere to the shield 

 cloth as it is rolled off, brush them back into their proper squares. Ordinarily no ear should 

 be saved for seed unless all six of its kernels germinate. 



83 



