68 



ELEMENTS OF FARM PRACTICE 



Kernels slow in germinating should be counted as worth- 

 less, as they would probably not grow in the field, if unfavor- 

 able conditions prevailed. 



For testing a large amount of seed corn, as for ten to 

 forty acres, a box two to four feet square may be used in 

 place of the plates. 



The Rag Doll Tester. — One of the most popular methods 

 of testing seed corn is by means of the rag doll tester. These 

 testers may be purchased ready-made, or may be made at 

 home or at school. To make one use a good quality of 

 muslin. Tear off a strip about nine inches wide and five 

 feet long. With a soft lead pencil draw a mark lengthwise 



of the cloth and ex- 

 actly in the center. 

 Then every three 

 inches draw lines 

 crosswise of the cloth. 

 Leave about fifteen 

 inches on each end 

 without crossmarks. 

 Then number the 

 squares, wet the 

 cloth and the tester 

 is ready for the corn. 

 Number the ears of 

 corn to be tested and 

 place six kernels from 

 ear number one in 

 square number one. See Figure 27. Continue placing six 

 kernels from each ear in a square of the same number until 

 the tester is full. Place all kernels with the tips one way 

 and pointing toward one side of the cloth. Then roll the 

 cloth beginning at one end, using care not to displace the 

 kernels. Tie a string about the roll and place it in a pail of 

 warm water for a few hours. Then remove it from the 

 water and place the roll on end in a pail or other dish eight 

 or ten inches deep, and cover with a cloth and keep in a 

 warm room. Place the rag doll in the pail so the tips of the 

 kernels will point down. Several of the rag doll testers may 



Figure 27. — A "rdg doll" seed corn tester. 



