58 FIELD AND LABORATORY STUDIES OF CROPS 



Divide the total number of grains dropped by the num- 

 ber of hills, to get the average number of grains per hill. 

 If the results are very unsatisfactory, change the plates 

 in the bottom of the grain boxes and repeat the test. 



Discussion: A good corn planter should have several 

 sets of plates, in order that adjustments may be made for 

 dropping accurately, small, medium, or large grains. Pre- 

 vious to planting time, the planter should be put in order 

 and the accuracy of its drop tested. In the preparation of 

 seed corn, the small and irregular-shaped grains should be 

 removed from the butts and tips of the ears and discarded. 

 As a further aid to the planter, the shelled seed corn may be 

 graded to uniform size by passing it through a set of sieves, 

 the first one of which will hold back the extra large grains, 

 and the second of which will retain the medium-sized grains 

 but allow the very small to pass. 



