EXERCISE 38 



SELECTING SEED CORN FROM THE FIELD 



Statement. After the measurements .of a desirable ear of corn are known and the shape and char- 

 acteristics of the various parts understood, there still remains the practical application of the principles. 

 Selecting seed from the field applies these principles and develops in the individual the power of quick 

 decision and sound judgment. 



Object. To learn how to select seed corn in the field. 



Materials. A bag swung over the shoulder like a game sack or a basket ; a tape measure ; a note- 

 book ; some small tags ; a field of well-bred, mature corn. 



Directions. Each student should go into the field and select ten ears of seed corn, noting carefully 

 the points governing seed selection. The blank form on the opposite page should be used, and all data 



Fig. 46. Students acquiring corn judgment and securing seed for their home project 



concerning the ears chosen and the plants which produced them should be entered. Wrap and number 

 each ear selected so that it may be preserved and identified. Keep a complete record for reference. 



After selecting the ten ears and collecting the data return to the laboratory and place the ten ears 

 side by side. Judging from the appearance of the ears and from the data collected concerning them, 

 select the best ear of the ten. Enter it in competition with the ears selected by other students in an 

 ear-row test to be conducted the following summer as a home project and as a means of securing good 

 seed. Use, also, in this ear-row test the ear selected in Exercise 35. 



At the close of the competitive judging each pupil should be required, as a home project, to select 

 enough of his father's seed corn for the next season's planting or to select enough seed further to develop 

 and fix his judgment. 



Questions. What determines the value of an ear of seed corn ? What are the advantages of field 

 selection over crib selection? When, in the fall, should seed corn be selected? How should it be 



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